Memory Care Kansas

Memory care in Kansas

In the state of Kansas, there are about 90 memory care communities. Memory care centers in Kansas can be found, among other locations, in: Topeka, Wichita, Manhattan, Lawrence, and Kansas City. All the memory care centers in the state are licensed and regulated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Prospective memory care residents can benefit from free assistance when it comes to finding the best memory care center, according to their current needs and challenges, as well as the available budget.

To be accepted into memory care, seniors must meet various eligibility criteria. The diagnosis of dementia is one of the most important, and many communities often request a detailed clarification of the impairments one is suffering from. Seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are accepted, as well as those who have other forms, such as Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia. The minimum acceptance age varies between 55 and 62. Other eligibility criteria include: level of independence, physical and mental status, income, co-existing conditions, marital status, etc.

Not all applications are accepted, as each center reserves the right to refuse certain seniors. It is common knowledge that memory care centers do not accept those who cannot direct their own care or suffer from severe cognitive impairment. The same goes for those who present mental instability, representing a threat to themselves or others. Additional reasons for refusal might include: infectious conditions, need for long-term skilled nursing care, bedridden, need for specialized care that the respective center cannot provide.

All those who have been accepted will undergo an initial assessment, which is necessary to identify current needs and potential challenges. The examination is performed by an experienced physician, often with the assistance of a registered nurse. Among other things, it will focus on: mental stability, physical health, assistance needed with ADLs, emotional status, cognitive and language impairments, personality changes, etc. These assessments are useful when it comes to identifying potential red flags. Moreover, they are used to establish individualized service plans for each resident. The plans are updated every couple of months and after major health events.

Average cost of memory care in Kansas

In the state of Kansas, the average cost of memory care is of $5,590 per month. This is considerably higher than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Colorado, Kansas has the most expensive memory care facilities. The biggest difference is seen in Oklahoma, where memory care costs about $4,300 per month.

Within the state of Kansas, the cost of memory care varies significantly. The most expensive memory care facilities are found in Lawrence, with an average monthly cost of $6,800. On the other hand, Kansas City has the most affordable communities of this kind, with an average cost of $3,600 per month. Memory care costs more than other long-term care options, such as in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living. The only exception is nursing home care, with a monthly median of $5,600.

How is dementia managed within memory care?

Dementia is a neurological condition that progresses over time, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and language impairment. It mostly affects older adults, playing a direct influence on the overall quality of life. In advanced stages, it becomes difficult for seniors to manage on their own, with alternative living remaining the only viable option. Within a memory care community, this condition can be effectively managed and its progression delayed for as long as possible.

Long-term care represents a good choice for those who suffer from dementia. These communities offer specialized care and housing, as well as the assistance of trained staff. They are able to keep their condition under control, with the quality of life improving significantly. Moreover, they have the opportunity to overcome the challenges of dementia, feeling less stressed or anxious as a result. Caregivers encourage the decision to move into memory care, knowing their loved ones need additional support.

For many seniors, moving into memory care represents a tough decision to make, especially since it involves leaving their old life behind. With the support of their family, they are looking at various communities, trying to find the best one for their needs. In most cases, the adjustment of the new environment is quite fast. Dementia seniors feel comforted by the structured setting, the carefully-designed routine and the immediate access to beneficial services. They enjoy the access to quality care, finding it easier to manage the associated manifestations.

Dementia begins with less specific manifestations. Seniors might forget minor things, like where they have left their keys. Confusion will add to the problem, with seniors struggling to get by in an otherwise familiar environment. They might suffer from language impairment, which will make conversations difficult. At some point, they will have trouble remembering the names or faces of their loved ones. Considering all these changes, it makes sense to think about memory care.

With advanced forms of dementia, the symptoms are clearer, affecting the ability to function. Seniors will begin to experience cognitive decline, followed by an aggravation of memory and language difficulties. The clinical picture is completed by mood swings, changes in personality, and mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. It becomes increasingly hard to handle activities of daily living, and the risk of accidents increases significantly. Unfortunately, things only get worse with the passing of time.

A memory care community represents the best place for a dementia senior, given the obvious benefits. From a different perspective, this decision offers relief to his/her caregivers, who often feel overwhelmed. They understand the challenges of dementia, but they lack the necessary experience and knowledge to handle them. Thus, they might deal with mental issues themselves, the risk of burnout obvious. In addition, dementia seniors require monitoring, and there are many situations in which their behavior might be difficult to handle.

Both memory care centers and assisted living facilities help dementia seniors thrive, providing them with immediate access to services and amenities. Experienced personnel offer specialized care and support, making sure their needs are met at all times. At the same time, they have the necessary experience for dealing with tough situations. Within memory care, the progression of dementia is slowed down, and seniors have countless opportunities to socialize and engage with others. The risk of accidents and wandering is reduced, and seniors can enjoy their daily routine.

Options for memory care in Kansas

Upon being diagnosed with dementia, most seniors feel anxious about their future. Naturally, they are considering long-term care, discussing their options with family and friends. They understand the importance of adequate care, especially since dementia is not the type of condition that can be easily managed. Options such as continuous care, assisted living, and adult day care might be considered in the beginning. Nonetheless, with more severe forms, memory care represents the most recommended option.

Assisted living facilities have memory care units for dementia seniors, providing them with similar benefits as memory care centers. Within a structured environment, which includes countless safety features, seniors feel safe and less anxious about their manifestations. They have the continuous support of the trained staff, which is more than happy to provide them with the needed assistance. Their needs are handled with empathy and any challenge is effectively managed. In addition, seniors might benefit from healthcare services, either provided by the respective community or third-party providers. With the latter, the costs are covered by each resident.

More and more seniors are choosing alternative living solutions, as they need all the support available to deal with the manifestations of dementia. They are looking for an environment in which they can thrive, and maybe even delay the progression of their condition. Moreover, many of the therapies provided within such communities help seniors preserve their current skills and, thus, feel more in control. By choosing memory care units, seniors can remain close to their spouses, who might benefit from assisted living.

Services offered in memory care

The services available in memory care are diverse, each contributing to a better life quality. Safety features are chosen with care, so they help residents feel secure and protected against potential accidents. All services are available at all times, but the staff usually encourages residents to maintain their independence. They should be able to handle some of the daily living activities on their own or at least make an effort to do so. It has been proven that engagement contributes to a healthy daily routine.

Therapy can help dementia seniors preserve their current skills and delay the progression of dementia. Memory care centers have specialists who provide a wide range of therapeutic options, with residents having the opportunity to work on their cognitive skills, memory and language. Moreover, they receive assistance with the daily routine, which is quite useful. General services include: Internet and telephone access, scheduled transportation, meal planning and preparation, errand running and shopping, laundry and linen service, general maintenance, 24/7 security.

Assistance is available for daily living activities, which might include bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, and grooming. Depending on their abilities, residents can be monitored while performing these tasks or they might receive complete assistance. There are memory centers which only provide assistance with a limited number of ADLs. Specialized care is offered as well, including: mobility assistance, diabetes care, incontinence care, and wound care. Seniors can benefit from additional health services, such as medication management.

Amenities offered by memory care centers in Kansas

Dementia seniors are welcomed into housing units that are both safe and comfortable. Whether in the form of apartments or bedrooms, these units are equipped with a wide range of safety and accessibility features. They all have an emergency response system, which can be used by seniors in case of major health events. The entries cannot be locked, so the staff can access the housing unit in case of emergencies. Moreover, all bathrooms have special features to protect against common accidents, such as slipping or falling.

The amenities available within memory care are meant to enrich the daily routine, helping seniors fill their time in a pleasant manner. As a general rule, these promote physical and mental health, as well as independence and socialization. Among the most common amenities, you might find the following: off-site trips, group events, birthday celebrations, social clubs, gardening, swimming pool, weekly religious service, library, memory garden, computer room, yoga classes, fitness center. All of these amenities contribute to a better state of mind, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.