Memory Care New Hampshire

Memory care in New Hampshire

In the state of New Hampshire, there are over 60 memory care communities. Dementia seniors might also opt for assisted living that have their own memory care units available. Among the most common locations, there are Bedford, Meredith, Nashua, Dover, and Lee. All memory care communities are licensed and regulated by the Health Facilities Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. Prospective memory care residents can benefit from free assistance when it comes to locating a center suitable to their needs and budget.

To move into a memory care community, a senior has to meet a number of specific criteria. Most memory care facilities require a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, with a list of mental and physical impairments. There is also a minimum age requirement, which varies between 55 and 62. Seniors who suffer from different types of dementia are accepted, including frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body dementia. Additional criteria considered might include: co-existing conditions, treatments, needs and challenges, level of independence, etc.

Not all seniors are accepted into memory care, as each facility reserves the right to reject some applications. Memory care communities do not accept seniors who require a type of care they are unable to provide, such as hospice care or long-term skilled nursing care. The same goes for those who are mentally unstable, posing a threat to themselves or others. Bedridden seniors, those who suffer from infectious conditions, and those who are unable to direct their own care might be refused as well. It might be a good idea to check out acceptance guidelines before applying for a spot in a memory care center.

Accepted applicants will have to undergo an initial examination, which is necessary to determine their needs and potential red flags. The assessment is handled by a trained physician, with the help of an experienced nurse. It usually focuses on the following aspects: physical and mental health, treatments taken, co-existing conditions, behavior, personality, emotional status, level of independence, etc. The results are used to establish custom service plans for each resident. These plans are updated every couple of months and always after a major health event.

Average cost of memory care in New Hampshire

In the state of New Hampshire, the average monthly cost of memory care is of $8,700. This makes the state one of the most expensive in the region, well above the national median of $5,000. All of the neighboring states, such as Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut have lower rates. The latter, for instance, has a monthly average cost of $6,100.

Within the state of New Hampshire, the differences between urban areas are not that significant. In Manchester, for instance, the average monthly cost of memory care is $8,900. Communities located in rural areas have more affordable rates. Compared to other long-term care solutions, such as in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living, memory care costs more. The only exception is represented by nursing home care, with a monthly average cost of $9,500.

Effective management of dementia in memory care

Dementia refers to a set of symptoms caused by the progressive deterioration of cognitive functioning. Common manifestations include memory loss, concentration difficulties, and language impairment. These changes are beyond what is considered typical for an aging person, forcing one to seek a diagnosis. Dementia seniors thrive best in specialized communities, such as memory care facilities or assisted living facilities with integrated memory care units. Their needs are met by experienced personnel and they have access to healthcare to manage their condition.

Memory care communities have been especially developed for dementia seniors, offering access to healthcare, specialized assistance, and housing. The living environment is structured to guarantee increased comfort and residents enjoy a stimulating daily routine. With the help of trained staff, seniors can work on preserving their current skills and delaying the progression of dementia. They are constantly monitored, which means that the risk of accidents is brought down to a minimum and wandering is not possible.

Long-term care comes with obvious benefits, but the decision to move into memory care is not one that can be taken easily. Often times, seniors reach a resolution with the help of their family and friends. They are the ones who have assumed the role of caregivers, feeling ill-equipped to handle the ever-increasing challenges brought on by dementia. Fearing burnout, they encourage their loved ones to seek out alternative care. Life in memory care is enjoyed by dementia seniors, a positive change being seen in both their physical and mental health.

Most seniors are aware that something is wrong, well ahead of the diagnosis. They realize the changes experienced are not connected to the aging process, but to an illness. For them, a correct diagnosis brings relief, and they start to consider the next step. Long-term care is the best choice when it comes to the management of dementia, with memory care communities representing ideal choices. Within such a center, seniors can receive the assistance needed, their difficulties being more effectively approached.

It is also important to remember that dementia will progress up to the point where its manifestations will be severe. Seniors will struggle to remember small details, as well as recent events, names, and faces. They might deal with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, becoming withdrawn. Mood swings can occur on a frequent basis, leading to irritation and even physical aggression. Decision-making abilities will suffer, so most seniors will require constant supervision to avoid accidents.

Even when they are dealing with the constant challenges of dementia, most seniors report an improved quality of life after moving into memory care. Not only do they feel less alone, but they are also enjoying the daily routine. The predictability of each day minimizes their anxiety and safety features help them feel protected. Assistance is available upon needs, but the staff usually encourages residents to participate in every task. Healthcare can be provided for co-existing conditions, either from the respective center or third-party providers.

The progression of dementia does not make life easier, but the specialists working in memory care communities go at great lengths to ensure seniors feel their best. They help them tackle the everyday challenges, providing access to a wide range of therapies. Moreover, all residents have access to a wide array of services and amenities, so engagement is always guaranteed. The daily routine includes plenty of stimulating activities, with benefits for both physical and mental health.

Options for mental care in New Hampshire

For someone diagnosed with dementia, the future looks uncertain. Thanks to the loving support of their families and friends, many seniors look towards long-term care, considering their options. Memory care communities have clear advantages to offer, and the same thing can be said about assisted living facilities that have memory care available. Both offer adapted housing, assistance with ADLs, and adapted housing. The staff is dedicated to helping seniors manage their condition, putting a lot of effort into providing the necessary help.

It was great to see assisted living facilities developing their own memory care units, especially since the demand for this type of care has increased in the past decades. Seniors can opt for memory care within an assisted living facility, enjoying the effective management of their condition. From specialized care to assistance with everyday tasks, they will find life within such a community to be both pleasant and comfortable. The biggest advantage is for couples, as they can remain close to each other, even when they benefit from different types of long-term care.

It is never easy to leave your old life behind and move into a memory care community, but you have to look at the bigger picture. You can always ask your loved ones to help you research various facilities and find the best one for your needs. As you will see for yourself, many communities allow you to take a tour of their campus and ask questions. The staff will provide detailed answers about their services and amenities, and you will be able to form a general idea about what to expect.

Services offered in memory care centers in New Hampshire

The services provided within memory care communities are meant to ensure a high standard of living, providing seniors with predictability at the same time. Provided by trained staff, these are easily integrated into the daily routine. Most of them are focused on chores that are difficult to handle by someone who suffers from dementia, leaving seniors with the freedom to enjoy planned activities. Best of all, there are no additional charges incurred for any of these services.

Most memory care facilities list their available services online, so prospective residents can check them out. The detailed information comes in handy when researching various memory care communities, so be sure to take it into consideration. From safety features to dementia-specific therapies, these centers have everything seniors might need. As for their general services, these can include: scheduled transportation, housekeeping, Internet and telephone access, laundry and linen service, meal planning and preparation, 24/7 security, errand running and shopping, general maintenance.

As many seniors struggle to perform everyday tasks, memory care centers are happy to provide assistance in this department. Nonetheless, seniors are encouraged to maintain their independence for as long as possible. They can bring their own contribution to a task, thus working towards preserving their current skills. Common tasks for which assistance is provided include dressing, toileting, bathing, grooming, and eating. Other services offered are: wound care, incontinence care, diabetes care, mobility assistance, and medication management.

Amenities offered by memory care centers in New Hampshire

The living units available within memory care communities are designed in the style of bedrooms or apartments. As the staff must be able to access them at any given moment, there are no keyed entries. Emergency response systems are installed in all housing units, as these can be used in case of major health events. To prevent accidents and facilitate everyday living, the units come with a wide array of accessibility and safety features. Within the bathrooms, there are also special features added to reduce the risk of injuries.

Each day in a memory care facility includes an interesting diversity of activities. These have a stimulating effect, encouraging seniors to interact with one another. For those who suffer from advanced forms of dementia, constant monitoring is ensured. When it comes to the available amenities, some of the most common options include the following: walking/guided tours, computer room, library, memory garden, off-site trips, yoga, swimming, fitness, weekly religious service, birthday celebrations and other events. The extended choice of amenities varies from one community to the other.