Memory Care Indiana

Memory care in Indiana

In the state of Indiana, there are over 160 memory care communities. These are special care units, which are sometimes known as Alzheimer's care facilities, given the residents accommodated. Memory care centers can be found in the following cities: Bloomington, Evansville, Terre Haute, Columbus, South Bend, Lafayette, Michigan City, Muncie. All memory care centers are licensed and regulated by the State Department of Health, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Certain eligibility criteria must be met for an application to be accepted. First, seniors must meet the minimum age requirement, which can start at 55 and go as high as 62. They should also have the diagnosis of dementia already made. It is worth mentioning that memory care centers accept residents who suffer from various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Additional criteria might include: pre-existing conditions, associated impairments, assistance needed with ADLs, marital status, challenges, needs, and income.

Even though memory care communities in Indiana usually welcome all prospective residents, they might reserve the right to refuse certain applications. Common refusal reasons might include the following: severe cognitive impairments, inability to direct care, need for specialized care that the center cannot provide, bedridden, need for long-term skilled nursing care, infectious conditions, demand for hospice care. Mental instability is another important refusal reason, especially if the senior poses a danger to himself/herself and others.

Individual assessments are organized for all those who have been admitted, as this allows for their needs and challenges to be identified. Undertaken by trained physicians, these examinations offer a general image about the respective senior. The following aspects are considered with each assessment: personality, behavior, level of independence, how many ADLSs can one perform alone, physical and mental health, associated impairments, etc. The assessment will help the staff to create individualized care plans, centered around each resident. As a general rule, these plans are updated once several months have passed or if a major health event has taken place.

The World Health Organization estimates that millions of people live with dementia, most of them being senior adults. According to the most recent statistics, it is clear that the rate of dementia is on the rise, even though the exact cause for which this condition appears has yet to be identified. Moreover, there are no treatments available at the moment. Medical specialists rely on early diagnosis and very precise intervention measure to manage dementia and delay its progression for as long as it is possible.

Memory care communities in Indiana have been created to offer dementia seniors a safe and structured environment, one in which they can manage their condition more effectively. With focus on the quality of life, these facilities often employ experienced personnel, who can accompany seniors in their arduous journey. Life in memory care is associated with better health, especially since the challenges brought on by dementia can be addressed in a timely manner.

Often times, the decision to move into memory care is supported by the family and friends, who are well aware of the benefits. Even though the transition is difficult to make, one must think of the long-term advantages. The structured environment of a memory care facility helps dementia seniors thrive and find comfort in knowing that their needs are met. The staff is supportive and empathic, helping residents deal with the manifestations of dementia, such as memory loss, language impairment, cognitive decline, and confusion.

Average cost of memory care in Indiana

In the state of Indiana, the average cost of memory care is around $5,100 per month, which is a bit higher than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Ohio and Illinois, Indiana has more affordable rates. On the other hand, Michigan and Kentucky have less expensive memory care options, with the latter having a monthly average of $4,300.

Within the state of Indiana, the cost of memory care varies significantly. The most expensive memory care communities are located in Muncie, with an average of $7,000 per month. At the opposite pole lies Terre Haute, which has a monthly median of $4,100. Compared to other long-term care options, such as adult day health care, in-home care, home health care, and assisted living, memory care costs more. The only exception is the nursing home care, with an average of $7,000 per month.

How is dementia managed in memory care?

Backed by family and friends, seniors begin to consider memory care as the manifestations of dementia become more and more pronounced. Dealing with memory loss and cognitive decline, they seek medical advice and support, trying to decide on their next step. Life becomes difficult once forgetfulness and concentration difficulties accentuated, and not even their familiar environment can help. Instead of dealing with all of these changes on their own, most senior prefer to move into memory care.

Of course, the journey is different for everyone. Some seniors might struggle with language impairment, feeling discomforted by the constant mood swings and the unpleasant personality changes. They might notice routine tasks are now difficult to perform, acknowledging the difficulties in bringing an activity to completion. All of these changes add to the already-present confusion, leaving seniors with no other choice but memory care.

For caregivers, this decision comes as a godsend, as they are already dealing with a lot of pressure. They support the move into a memory care community, as it is far from simple to care for someone who suffers from dementia. In fact, most caregivers suffer from burnout, which can lead to various health problems. The need for constant monitoring can be draining and there are many situations in which they are not sure what to do. Considering all of these reasons, it makes sense to prefer a structured environment for their loved ones.

Within a memory care facility, dementia seniors benefit from specialized care and assistance with everyday tasks. Residents of memory care center are monitored by experienced staff, who has both the practical experience and knowledge to deal with difficult situations. With the help of carefully-chosen services and amenities, residents work on preserving their current skills, and delaying the progression of dementia. A simple daily routine helps them feel less confused and anxious, and the countless safety features keep the risk of accidents down to a minimum.

Options for memory care in Indiana

Dementia is a complicated condition and its manifestations can cause a lot of confusion. Seniors might feel anxious about what lies ahead, not knowing what decision to take about their long-term care. In the beginning, they might consider adult day care, continuous care, or even assisted living. As their condition will advance, it will become clear that memory care remains the best options, followed closely by the memory care units integrated into assisted living facilities. With a carefully-designed environment and supportive staff, these communities help dementia seniors thrive.

Considering all the risks that come with living alone, it makes sense for dementia seniors to look for alternative solutions. By moving into a memory care center, they are taking potential risks out of the equation. Even in the most difficult moments, they are supported by the staff, who can help them feel less stressed. Moreover, they have access to healthcare services, even if these are offered by third-party providers (costs covered by each resident who benefits from them).

Assisted living facilities have developed their own memory care units, wanting to meet the ever-growing demand for dementia care. The benefits offered are similar to the ones of memory care communities, with seniors having access to an environment that is both safe and comfortable. Trained staff offers the necessary support, helping dementia seniors deal with everyday challenges. Residents also receive assistance with ADLs, even though there might be limits to this provision. Couples can live in the same facility, benefitting from different types of care. More often than not, the eligibility criteria are the same with the ones of memory care centers.

Services offered in memory care in Indiana

High-quality services are provided within memory care centers, to the purpose of ensuring the comfort of dementia seniors. With the inclusion of safety features, the risk of accidents is significantly reduced, and residents are protected against wandering. They enjoy the structured and safe environment, experiencing less confusion and anxiety. Encouraged by the staff to maintain their independence, they find it easier to go through the everyday routine. All of these measures help them use their current skills and delay the progression of dementia.

Life in memory care can be comfortable and pleasant, and that is partly thanks to the multitude of beneficial services available. Residents are given the opportunity to try out various therapies, supported by the trained staff. These therapy sessions help them manage their condition, as well as any mental health issues resulting from it. They also have access to a general range of services, including: laundry and linen service, scheduled transportation, meal planning and preparation, 24/7 security, general maintenance, errand running and shopping, Internet and telephone access.

As part of the service list, the assistance with ADLs is available, including for tasks such as eating, dressing, grooming, toileting, and dressing. Some memory care communities might provide assistance only for a limited number of ADLs, so it is worth inquiring about such matters before committing to a particular community. The more advanced dementia is, the more assistance seniors receive. Specialized care is offered as well, including wound care, diabetes care, incontinence care, and mobility assistance. Some other services might be offered, such as medication management and 24/7 monitoring.

Amenities in memory care in Indiana

Dementia seniors are welcomed into housing units designed in the style of apartments or bedrooms. All units present a wide range of safety features to protect seniors against accidents, as well as emergency response systems. The latter are especially useful in case of major health events. The entries are not keyed, which allows the personnel to help seniors, should they fall or suffer from other injuries. Bathrooms have accessibility features, also to the purpose of protecting against common mishaps.

When it comes to amenities, there are countless choices available, targeted at both physical and mental health. Many of the chosen amenities are also meant to encourage socialization between residents. Among the most common options, there are: fitness center/gym, swimming pool, yoga classes, computer room, library, social club, weekly religious service, memory garden, guided walks, off-site trips. Most memory care communities organize various events, where seniors can socialize and have some fun. These events are beneficial for their mental health as well, helping them feel less depressed, anxious, or confused.