Decisions for senior long term care facilities can be challenging, especially when you need to know where your loved ones will be for years. The quality care of seniors facing memory diseases is even harder. Rehab facilities and long term care facilities work to help keep these senior citizens at ease, but it is a large cost most of the time. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the most common forms of memory loss, making in-home or other daily care needed. Those with all types of dementia often need assistance to manage daily tasks, as the common events of daily life are not easy to handle.
Imagine Suffering Memory Loss
At this point, about two-thirds of seniors over 65 and living in assisted living facilities suffer from dementia or some other memory disorder. Imagine not recognizing any of the faces of those around you or even waking up in the morning and potentially not knowing where you are. You would not know that you don’t remember your spouse or children, but you wouldn’t know why those individuals are making such a loving advance at you when they are strangers. While the stages of dementia advance in severity over time, it is harder as this progresses for family members to provide supportive care.
The Need for Skilled Nursing Facilities
While you likely know about the challenges and danger that torment those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you likely do not hear all that much about the families of those patients. With millions already facing these diseases, a great deal of need for these centers and other rehab facilities is helpful. Rehab services make up about a third of the nation’s healthcare expenses, especially with about 70% of seniors turning 65 who will eventually need long-term care.
Senior Citizens and Memory Care Placement in Specialized Care Centers
With the expectation of comfortable treatment at all times, about one million American senior citizens choose to retire to senior communities. One of the reasons rehab facilities are helpful for certain seniors includes the assistance of qualified medical professionals who can manage health issues like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and others. This also provides a reduction of stress and worry for the children and grandchildren of these seniors. Considering the many different memory disorders that occur with age, there is a need for a rehab facility or skilled nursing facility for many elders. Some seniors only need assisted living facilities or assisted living apartments while others need a nursing home or a nursing facility. Memory care centers fall under this category, especially given the level of danger that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia bring to the lives of those living with those diseases.
Care for dementia patients is a difficult decision to make, and one that must be researched carefully. Based upon the stage of dementia in which a loved one already exists, where their troubles are the most, the ability to possibly accept in-home care, and many other choices, the family can work closely with the medical professionals who will be treating your beloved patient. Another thing to remember is that you are not giving up on your spouse, parent, grandparent or another family member by relying upon a treatment facility for assistance. Memory loss requires cautious care and doctors and nurses are well-trained to manage those tasks.
