Memory Care Montana

Memory care in Montana

In the state of Montana, there are only about 25 memory care communities. There are also a few assisted living facilities that have memory care units integrated. Common locations include the following: Great Falls, Billings, Missoula, Rapid City, and Idaho Falls. All memory care facilities are licensed and regulated by the Quality Assurance Division, which belongs to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Prospective residents can be assisted with finding the best memory care communities for their needs and budget.

Admittance is dependent on specific criteria, established by each facility. Most memory care communities require that seniors have a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, along a detailed list of physical and mental impairments. There is also a minimum age requirement to be met, which can vary between 55 and 62. Additional application criteria might include the following: income, marital status, need for assistance, level of independence, treatment plan, challenges, other medical issues, etc. Any form of dementia is accepted, including Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

It is important to be aware that not all applications are accepted. As with admittance, there are specific reasons for which an application might be rejected. For example, memory care communities do not accept those who suffer from mental instability, representing a danger to themselves or others. The same goes for those who have severe cognitive impairment, are bedridden or need hospice care. Other reasons for refusing applications might include: infectious conditions, need for long-term skilled nursing care, seniors who are unable to direct their own care.

All accepted seniors undergo a thorough examination soon after admittance, with the purpose of identifying both needs and challenges. These assessments are handled by an experienced physician, with the help of a registered nurse. Among the most common aspects examined, there are: emotional status, level of independence, personality, behavior, physical and mental impairments, response to treatment. The results of each examination are used to create a custom care plan. According to general policy, plans are updated every couple of months and always after a major health event has occurred.

Average cost of memory care in Montana

In the state of Montana, the average cost of memory care is around $4,700. This is a bit lower than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota and North Dakota, Montana has more expensive memory care communities. The most affordable rates are found in North Dakota, with an average monthly cost of $4,200.

Within the state of Montana, the most expensive memory care communities are found in Missoula, with an average monthly cost of $6,100. On the other hand, Idaho Falls has the most affordable communities of this kind, with a median of $4,100 per month. Memory care costs more than in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living. The only exception is nursing home care, which averages at $7,400 per month.

Management of dementia in memory care

Dementia is one of the most common brain disorders encountered in the senior population, leading to physical and mental changes. Aside from the memory and one's cognitive abilities, it might also affect personality and behavior. Seniors who suffer from this condition have difficulties performing otherwise familiar tasks and might even experience mood swings. Dementia cannot be cured and it requires adequate management, which is best achieved within a memory care community.

Memory care communities offer access to housing, specialized care, and assistance with ADLs. With the help of trained personnel, dementia seniors are able to keep their condition under control and even delay some manifestations. It has been established that living in such a facility contributes to a higher standard of living. Seniors are monitored at all times, with the risk of accidents and wandering kept down at a minimum. They enjoy a structured routine, which includes a wide range of services and amenities.

Seniors are often encouraged by their family and friend to move into a memory care center. Acting as caregivers, they are dealing with burnout, feeling like they lack the necessary resources to look after someone who suffers from dementia. They are also aware of the need for regular assistance and supervision. In a specialized center, the staff can cover all of these aspects, making sure that residents thrive. After moving into memory care, many seniors exhibit improved mental health, with a reduced presence of anxiety and depression.

In the initial stage, the manifestations of dementia can be insidious, which also means that the diagnosis is not easy to make. As these become more obvious and can no longer be attributed to the aging process, seniors seek out answers. After receiving their diagnosis, most seniors begin to look for alternative living solutions. They are conscious of the fact that their condition will progress to the point where they will need assistance. Many of them are already struggling with memory loss, cognitive decline, and language impairment – the need for help is obvious.

Advanced forms of dementia are associated with more pronounced changes. Seniors might struggle to remember what happened recently and even the names of their loved ones. Their mental health will suffer, and it will become difficult to handle everyday tasks. Mood swings might reinforce their confusion, leading to a permanent state of irritation. Struggling to interact with their family and friends, many seniors become withdrawn. They might not be able to distinguish between what is right and wrong, which makes it impossible for them to live on their own.

Memory care allows dementia seniors to deal with their condition, removing the burden of having to live alone. Within the calm and structured environment, they feel safe and protected. Moreover, there are countless safety features to reduce the risk of accidents. Even though the staff is immediately available to provide the necessary assistance, they are encouraged to handle some tasks alone. Specialized care is offered for additional health issues, which is another benefit to consider.

Given the challenges brought on by dementia, one of the top priorities is ensuring a comfortable daily existence for all residents. The staff works hard to ensure that seniors feel good, taking every measure necessary to minimize their difficulties. From activities that bring fulfillment to assistance with complicated tasks, residents have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. In many situations, the progression of dementia is delayed, with the current skills being maintained for a longer period of time.

Options for memory care in Montana

For anyone who suffers from a deteriorating condition such as dementia, there is no better option out there other than memory care. Within such a community, seniors have the advantage of specialized care and regular assistance. Whether they choose a memory care community or prefer the one within an assisted living facility, the quality of service is similar. In addition, the staff acts with empathy, being ready to provide support and kind words. Not only are complex needs met, but residents also enjoy a stimulating daily routine.

Assisted living facilities have established memory care units, so that they would cover the increased request for such type of care. With dementia rates on the rise, they are welcoming seniors who suffer from this condition and provide them with quality care. Just like memory care communities, they allow dementia seniors to manage their condition and enjoy their retirement at the same time. A few of the advantages offered include: specialized care, assistance with ADLs, safety features, healthcare from third-party providers.

As the transition into memory care is not an easy decision, you might consider asking your family and friends for help. They can offer arguments to help you decide, and you can ask them to come along when visiting various facilities. For caregivers, the move into a specialized community can bring peace of mind and reduce the risk of burnout. Within a memory care center, you will also have access to modern therapies, which will help you address some of the challenges of dementia. By choosing a memory care unit, couples can remain close to one another, even when they require different care levels.

Services offered in memory care in Montana

The diversity of services available within memory care communities is impressive. To meet both the needs and desires of dementia seniors, the staff providers carefully-considered services. These are available on a daily basis and often help residents feel less burdened, leaving more time for enjoyable activities. Moreover, once things like house chores are eliminated, one has the ability to focus on managing his/her condition.

Memory care facilities in Montana provide detailed information on their available services, so that prospective residents know what to expect. From the experienced personnel to the 24/7 supervision, seniors have plenty of advantages to consider. As mentioned, there are also diverse therapies and safety features included. The general services might include the following: housekeeping, laundry and linen service, 24/7 security, Internet and telephone access, scheduled transportation, errand running and shopping, general maintenance, meal planning and preparation.

The assistance with activities of daily living is included on the service list. As previously mentioned, seniors are encouraged to maintain their independence. This is the reason why some memory care communities only after assistance for a limited number of ADLs. Common tasks seniors are helped with include eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and grooming. Residents might also benefit from medication management, with the staff supervising them or handling the respective task themselves. Other service provided include: diabetes care, incontinence care, wound care, and mobility assistance.

Amenities in Montana memory care facilities

When it comes to housing, seniors have the opportunity to live in bedroom or apartment-style units. A high level of comfort is ensured, regardless of the type of unit. There are safety and accessibility features included, which reduce the risk of accidents. Moreover, all units have emergency response systems, so the staff can intervene immediately in case of a major health event. The entries are not keyed, so all units can be easily accessed, and the bathrooms have additional features to prevent common mishaps.

Engagement is ensured through the careful planning of daily activities. The amenities available within memory care communities help residents interact with each other. Many of them are undertaken under the direct supervision of the available staff. Among the most common amenities, there are: memory garden, walking tours, social clubs, off-site trips, fitness classes, yoga, weekly religious service, birthday celebrations and other similar events, swimming pool. Aside from socialization, these amenities help residents improve their mental and physical health.