Memory Care Georgia

Memory Care in Georgia

In the state of Georgia, there are over 370 communities that offer memory care, including assisted living facilities. Memory care centers can be found in the following cities: Macon, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Valdosta, Atlanta, and Brunswick. All memory care communities are licensed and regulated by the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division, which belongs to the Georgia Department of Community Health. Dementia seniors have the right to opt for free assistance in finding the best memory care center.

To be accepted into memory care, prospective residents must meet certain criteria. Age is a primary criterion, with the required minimum varying between 55 and 62. Moreover, the diagnosis of dementia must have already been made. Seniors should be able to provide a detailed description of associated impairments, needs and requirements, as well as treatment schedules. Additional criteria might regard: specialized care, assistance with ADLs, income, and marital status.

If you are wondering about potential refusal reasons, you should know that most memory care centers will not accept those who suffer from infectious conditions. The same goes for those seniors who are bedridden, require long-term skilled nursing care, or need specialized care that the respective community cannot provide. Memory care facilities in Georgia might reserve the right to refuse those who suffer from severe mental illness, posing a threat to themselves or others. Should residents be unable to direct their own care, they might not be accepted into memory care.

Initial examinations are undertaken to identify the needs, requirements, and challenges for each resident in particular. Experienced physicians perform these assessments, with the support of registered nurses. They focus on particular aspects, including: physical and mental health, pre-existing conditions, treatments, level of independence, ability to perform ADLs, language and cognitive impairment, etc. Individualized service plans are developed in accordance with these assessments, being updated every couple of months and after major health events.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that is often diagnosed in the senior population, leading to specific manifestations, such as forgetfulness, confusion, and cognitive decline. Other forms of dementia follow closely, including Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. They are all degenerative, playing a negative role on the overall quality of life.

For senior adults, the manifestations of dementia can be disconcerting, leading to a lot of questions. One of the most important one regards the future, and how they are going to handle the challenges this condition brings. Faced with the impossibility to go through their daily routine, they are starting to considering their options, putting memory care at the top of their list. Another alternative would be a memory care unit that has been integrated into an assisted living facility.

Many seniors are aware that something is wrong before actually receiving the diagnosis of dementia. They have noticed forgetfulness becoming more often, and they might struggle to follow a conversation or perform otherwise simple tasks. Encouraged by their friends and relatives, they are considering their options, putting memory care at the top of their list. This is because they know such facilities can offer everything they might need, helping them stay in control of their condition.

The cognitive decline associated with dementia progresses, making everyday living more and more challenging. Memory issues create confusion, as seniors struggle to remember what happened recently or even the faces of their loved ones. All of these changes can cause them to become depressed and anxious, dealing with mood swings, personality alterations and even hallucinations. Afraid of being judged, they might withdraw from society. Given the high risk of accidents, most seniors will need constant supervision.

Average cost of memory care in Georgia

The most expensive memory care centers are located in Brunswick, with a monthly average cost of $7,500. On the other hand, Macon has the most affordable memory care communities, with an average of $3,250 per month. Memory care costs less than nursing home care, which has an average cost of $6,600 per month. On the other hand, memory care is more expensive than other long-term care solutions, such as in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living.

Compared to neighboring states, such as Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina, Georgia has more affordable memory care communities. The only exception is Alabama, with a monthly average of $4,000 per month. In Georgia, the average cost of memory care is of $4,100 per month, which is considerably cheaper than the national average of $5,000.

Where is dementia best managed? In memory care!

In the early stages of dementia, many seniors are still able to live alone and handle the daily routine. Nonetheless, as their condition becomes worse, with subsequent manifestations affecting their lives, they will consider moving into memory care. For the usual caregivers, this is a huge relief, as they no longer have to worry about accidents or wandering. Moreover, they know their loved ones will receive the needed support from people who are actually trained to offer it.

There are cases in which one might struggle with the decision to move into memory care. It is normal to have doubts, feeling confused and agitated. Dementia can cause a permanent state of irritation, and seniors often feel like every day is filled with challenges. Whether the progression is more or less obvious, it is important to consider alternative living, especially if you are already dealing with severe manifestations.

Forgetfulness remains one of the most discomforting manifestations associated with dementia, noticed not only by the senior in question, but also by his/her friends and family. It affects everything, causing the respective person to feel jumpy all the time. He/she will struggle to remember things, asking a lot of questions. Paired with the cognitive decline, this increases the risk of accidents. Depression and anxiety add up, leading to a grim outcome.

Memory care facilities are communities that help dementia seniors feel better, introducing them to a routine that has been adapted to both their needs and challenges. Once memory care residents adjust to the new environment, they are less agitated and confused. Moreover, seniors are constantly supported by the friendly staff, receiving assistance with activities of daily living. Memory care residents can socialize with other residents. Within memory care units, which belong to assisted living communities, residents practically have the same benefits.

As a caregiver, you want to make sure that your loved one is safe, with access to everything he/she might need. The transition into memory care, as mentioned, can help the family and friends of dementia seniors feel less burdened. The risk of burnout is eliminated, as they no longer have to struggle to provide suitable care for the senior in question. In addition, they can visit frequently, which is beneficial for everyone.

Options for memory care in Georgia

Nowadays, seniors have the possibility to choose between different alternative senior living solutions, such as continuous care retirement, assisted living, in-home health care, nursing care, and memory care. Depending on how advanced their condition is, dementia seniors might opt for any of these communities. Nonetheless, when it comes to advanced forms, with severe manifestations, memory care remains the best option.

Naturally, seniors might also consider assisted living facilities that have memory care units. As with memory care centers, these welcome dementia residents, providing them with specialized care, assistance with ADLs, services, and amenities. Trained staff is available, working hard to offer both care and support.

Memory care communities in Georgia are friendly and welcoming, with both management and staff coming together to create a safe environment in which dementia seniors can thrive. From specialized care to medication management, residents have everything necessary, feeling more in control. For those seniors who suffer from severe manifestations, there is specialized assistance available, with the memory care staff having the experience to handle even the most difficult situations.

Whether one prefers memory care centers or the units integrated to assisted living facilities, one thing is guaranteed. The quality of life will improve, with issues such as depression and anxiety being reduced to a minimum. Dementia seniors who live in such communities experience a lower level of agitation, and there is always the benefit of being close to your spouse, as many assisted living facilities allow couples to remain on the same campus.

Memory care in Georgia - services

Each memory care center in Georgia provides a wide array of services, which are beneficial for dementia seniors, helping senior residents adjust more easily to the new environment. These services are easily integrated into the daily routine, making life more comfortable. In addition, memory care services often include house chores, which would have been difficult to handle. As a result, seniors have more time to dedicate to the various activities and amenities offered.

While there are many services available, it is worth mentioning that these are some of the most common: meal planning and preparation (including dietary adjustments), laundry and linen service, scheduled transportation (including non-medical), 24/7 security, housekeeping, general maintenance, Internet and telephone access, errand running and shopping. The list might also include various therapies, staff support, and many others.

Of course, all memory care residents benefit from assistance with ADLs, including grooming, eating, dressing, toileting, and bathing. Sometimes, the memory care staff might help with oral hygiene, providing other types of care as well. These can include: mobility assistance, incontinence care, wound care, and diabetes care (insulin shots). All memory care centers/units provide medication management, as previously mentioned.

Memory Care Amenities in Georgia

When it comes to housing, memory care communities offer several options, including bedroom-style units and apartments. Regardless of the type, housing units in memory care centers are usually found on the first floor and have easy access to common areas. Often times, the hallways are color-coded to facilitate the access. All memory care units are fitted with accessibility features and emergency response systems in case of major health events. There are no keyed entries, with the staff having access to the memory care units at all times.

In terms of amenities, dementia seniors have a lot of wonderful choices available. For physical health, amenities might include: swimming pool, yoga sessions, fitness classes, etc. There are plenty of amenities that target mental health and socialization, such as social clubs, reading rooms, computer room, painting studio. Additional amenities might include: memory gardens, off-site trips, weekly religious service, gardening. Many amenities are available to groups, encouraging residents to interact with one another.