Memory Care Louisiana

Memory care in Louisiana

In the state of Louisiana, there are about 70 memory care communities, as well as assisted living facilities that have memory care units integrated. Both communities offer similar care and services, and they can be found in cities such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Hammond. They are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Division. All seniors who are interested in memory care benefit from free assistance with finding a suitable community.

The admission into a memory care center depends on several factors. First and foremost, seniors must present a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, regardless of the type. Some communities also require a detailed list of current impairments. All applicants must meet the minimum age requirement, which falls between 55 and 62. The type is not important, as long-term care facilities accept those who suffer from any form of dementia (Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia). Other criteria might include level of independence, physical and mental health, pre-existing conditions.

Not all applications might be accepted, and it might be a good idea to inquire about potential refusal reasons beforehand. Many communities refuse dementia seniors who are bedridden, suffer from infectious conditions or have severe cognitive impairment. The same goes for those who cannot direct their own care, require long-term skilled nursing care or hospice care. Additional reasons might include mental instability, residents who pose a threat to themselves or others, those who need other types of care that the community cannot provide.

To identify current needs and challenges, initial assessments are undertaken. These are organized for all admitted residents, being performed by a trained physician, with the support of a registered nurse. Among the aspects analyzed, there are: physical and mental impairments, level of independence, personality, emotional status, behavior, etc. The results of the assessment are used to develop individual service plans. These are updated every couple of months and always after a major health event has occurred.

Average cost of memory care in Louisiana

In the state of Louisiana, the average cost of memory care is of $4,560 per month. This is considerably lower than the national median of $5,000. Compared to certain neighboring states, such as Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama, Louisiana has more expensive memory care facilities. In Texas, however, such communities have higher fees, with a median of $4,600 per month.

Within the state of Louisiana, the median cost of memory care varies considerably. The most expensive memory care communities can be found in New Orleans, with an average of $5,800 per month. On the other hand, Hammond the most affordable centers of this kind, the monthly cost reaching an average of $3,700. Memory care costs less than other long-term care options, such as in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living. The only option that costs more is nursing home care, with an average monthly cost of $5,400.

Dementia, a condition best managed in memory care

Dementia is a condition often diagnosed in the senior population, with some of the most common manifestations including cognitive decline, language impairment, and loss of memory. Seniors who receive this diagnosis struggle with the daily routine, experiencing anxiety and depression as a result. Dementia rates have increased in the past decades, imposing the need for alternative living solutions. Luckily, both memory care centers and assisted living facilities welcome dementia seniors.

The discomforting manifestations of dementia influence one's functioning, social abilities, and even the capacity of discerning between right and wrong. Dealing with a wide array of changes brought on by dementia, many seniors think about moving into a care community, one which offers tailored services. Such communities are valued because they also offer housing and assistance with ADLs. Seniors find it easy to integrate, feeling like their condition is managed more effectively. As a result, the quality of life improves significantly.

Often, dementia seniors are looked after by their family members. At some point, they begin to realize more support is necessary. The transition to memory care is not easy, but it can mean that one benefits from better care. Such communities offer a structured environment, where dementia seniors can feel safe and protected. Trained staff is immediately available, offering the necessary care with empathy and dedication. Most seniors find the new routine to be pleasant and comfortable, feeling less anxious or depressed.

The manifestations of dementia are less obvious in the first stage of dementia, but present, nonetheless. In most cases, they are initially attributed to the aging process, including forgetfulness, confusion, and clumsiness. Seniors might feel confused in an otherwise familiar setting, dealing with cognitive decline and language impairment at the same time. They might have trouble remembering familiar faces or events that happened recently. As their condition progresses, memory care will become the only viable option.

In advanced stages, the symptoms of dementia are obvious. They will begin to affect one's normal routine, reducing the ability to function and handle everyday tasks. Aside from the cognitive and language impairments, seniors might deal with concentration difficulties and mood swings. Their personality might change as a result, with anxiety and depression completing the clinical picture. Simple tasks, such as eating or bathing, will turn into genuine challenges. Moreover, the risk of injury increases threefold, with seniors needing to be always monitored.

Memory care communities offer a supportive and structured environment, where seniors can feel more in control of their condition. With the right support, they find it easier to handle the changes brought on by dementia. Their decision to move into memory care is supported by their caregivers, who are already dealing with burnout and chronic stress. Most of them feel like they lack the necessary experience and knowledge to look after their loved ones, struggling with mental health issues. The more advanced dementia is, the harder it can be to assume the role of caregiver.

It is also worth mentioning that seniors who move into memory care enjoy a higher standard of living. They have access to adapted housing and specialized care, and their everyday routine includes a wide range of stimulating activities. Support is offered by trained staff, who also knows how to deal with difficult situations. Dementia seniors feel comforted by the experience the memory care personnel have, and the progression of their symptoms can be delayed. In addition, they can engage with other seniors, who are dealing with similar issues.

Options for memory care in Louisiana

At the advice of their caregivers, dementia seniors begin to consider long-term care solutions. They are well-aware that their condition will progress to the point where professional assistance will become necessary. Even though continuous care and assisted living represent adequate solutions for those who are in the initial stages, when it comes to advanced forms, memory care is better. Memory care centers, as well as assisted living facilities with integrated memory care units, welcome dementia seniors.

Many seniors prefer assisted living facilities that offer additional services, such as memory care. Like memory care centers, these units are best equipped to handle the needs and difficulties of those who suffer from dementia. The environment is adapted to potential challenges and all seniors benefit from a calm everyday routine. Safety features are added to reduce the risk of injuries and healthcare services might be available as well. Sometimes, these are offered by third-party providers, with the cost being covered by each resident.

Dementia seniors acknowledge that memory care is the best solution for them, considering the advantages offered. From the specialized personnel to the quality care, residents enjoy a better quality of life. Their condition is effectively managed, and various therapies are made available to the purpose of helping them preserve their current skills. By allowing seniors to remain in control of what happens to them, the associated mental issues are reduced as well. By opting for assisted living facilities, couples can remain close to each other, benefitting from different levels of care.

Services offered in memory care

Diverse services are available within memory care communities, and they directly contribute to a higher standard of living for those who suffer from dementia. These centers provide dementia seniors with a wide range of safety features, destined to reduce the risk of accidents and wandering. Moreover, such features help residents feel less anxious or confused. All the services are available without delay, but the staff encourages seniors to maintain their independence, including when it comes to ADLs.

Trained specialists invite dementia seniors to benefit from various therapies, with the purpose of working on their current skills and delaying the appearance of new manifestations. Residents who are engaged in therapy present less intense symptoms and their mental health is better as well. These therapies are well integrated into the daily routine, helping residents enjoy a balance between therapy and free time. Moreover, residents benefit from medication management as a basic service.

As for the general services, these might include scheduled transportation, errand running and shopping, 24/7 security, meal planning and preparation, Internet and telephone access, laundry and linen service, general maintenance. Seniors can be helped with basic tasks, such as eating, dressing, toileting, bathing, and grooming. Those with more advanced forms of dementia might receive additional assistance. Some facilities only provide assistance for a limited number of ADLs. Other types of care available include diabetes care, wound care, incontinence care, and mobility assistance.

Amenities in Louisiana memory care facilities

Comfort is a priority when it comes to housing, with options including apartments or bedroom-style units. All housing units are equipped with a multitude of safety and accessibility features, offering an adapted living environment. Thanks to these features, dementia seniors can feel safe and protected at the same time. Not to mention, there are emergency response systems installed in every unit, in case of major health events. The entries are not locked and there are special features added in bathrooms to reduce the risk of falling and other accidents.

As a way of supporting both mental and physical health, memory care centers provide dementia seniors with a wide range of amenities. Many of these are also meant to encourage residents to socialize with one another, thus finding it easier to maintain a positive state of mind. Common amenities include group events, birthday celebrations, gardening, yoga, swimming pool, weekly religious service, fitness classes, memory garden, social club, computer room, library.