Yes, memory care is considered skilled nursing. Learn more about this level of senior care below!
Is Memory Care Regarded As Skilled Nursing?
Many people may wonder what the differences and similarities are between memory care and skilled nursing. As mentioned above, memory care is regarded as skilled nursing and it can be administered by a personal care provider, as well. While the primary goal of skilled nursing is to rehabilitate a patient’s needs, memory care communities are set up for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
Memory Care Vs Skilled Nursing Differences
Memory care services are specifically designed to help people suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Residents in memory care will have daily structured activities to keep them on a routine and ultimately lessen stress levels. The majority of these activities aim to improve cognitive stimulation.
Memory care communities offer more supervision of patients than most other care levels. This is mainly due to the fact that many people with memory-related problems have a tendency to wander around. Memory care communities are much safer because most doors and elevators are locked or protected with alarms. Outdoor recreation areas are generally locked and gated to keep each and every resident safe and accounted for.
Memory Care Basics
Alzheimer’s and dementia are common types of memory loss conditions that are included in memory care. This specialized care goes through a lot of various services that depend on the severity of the symptoms such as requiring secure settings to prevent wandering.
Memory care goes beyond what is normally offered for assisted living. Meal prep, laundry services, and housekeeping are provided but the level of assistance with daily activities will be increased. Often times, the daily activities are made just to allow the person to reconnect with their favorite hobbies and even interests.
When it comes to recognizing care challenges for those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, these communities may only provide memory care or for some continuing care communities will have neighborhoods just for memory care. Often times, these communities will have design elements that has shown to lower stress for those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.
These elements could include circular neighborhood designs that allow safe wandering, natural lighting, and memory boxes outside of the room. 6 out of 10 people that have Alzheimer’s will start to wander around, and the community will be designed to lower risks of wandering and that could be adding security alarms on doors or safety checks.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
One important thing to consider, of course, will be overall cost. Location and living space will definitely add up the costs, but due to the extensive attention provided 24/7, memory care will be more expensive. On average in the United States, residents can expect to pay over $5,000 per month for memory care and around $4,000 per month for assisted living. While you simply want the best care for your loved ones, cost will undoubtedly play a role in the final decision.
Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ
Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.
Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (623) 975-0880
