Memory Care New Jersey

Memory care in New Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, there are over 200 memory care communities, as well as various assisted living facilities that have integrated memory care units. Memory care centers can be found in the following cities: Trenton, Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Vineland. All the memory care facilities are licensed and regulated by the state's Department of Health. Prospective residents can benefit from free assistance when it comes to finding the best property for their needs and available budget.

If you are planning on moving into a memory care community, it might be a good idea to check out the admittance criteria first. The most important one regards the confirmed diagnosis of dementia, accompanied by a detailed list of mental and physical impairments. Prospective applicants must meet the minimum admittance age, which varies between 55 and 62, depending on each facility.

It is worth mentioning that memory care facilities accept residents who suffer from any type of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Other admittance criteria include: treatments, level of independence, need for assistance, needs and challenges, co-existing conditions, marital status, income, etc.

Applications might be refused, as each memory care facility reserves the right to accept only those who meet the mentioned criteria. Most memory care communities in NJ do not accept those who suffer from infectious conditions, are bedridden, or cannot direct their own care. The same goes for seniors who need specialized care that the respective center cannot provide, such as long-term skilled nursing care or hospice care. Seniors who suffer from mental instability, posing a threat to themselves or others, might be refused as well.

Initial assessments are undertaken for all accepted seniors, so their current needs and requirements can be efficiently identified. These are handled by trained physicians and trained nurses, focusing on a number of particular aspects: emotional status, physical and mental health, co-existing conditions, treatments, behavior and personality, need for assistance, etc. Based on the results of these assessments, individual care plans are developed. It is customary to update these plans on a regular basis and especially after major health events.

Average cost of memory care in NJ

In the state of New Jersey, the average monthly cost of memory care is $8000. This is considerably higher than the national average of $5,000, which makes New Jersey one of the most expensive states in the region. In fact, all the neighboring states – Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Delaware – have more affordable rates. The only one that follows closely is Delaware, with a monthly average cost of $7,500.

Within the state of New Jersey, the cost of memory care varies considerably. The most expensive memory care communities are located in Trenton, averaging at $8,400 per month. On the other hand, Vineland has the most affordable facilities of this kind, with an average monthly cost of $5,700. Memory care costs more than adult day health care, assisted living, in-home care, and home health care. The only exception is nursing home care, with an average of $10,600 per month.

Management of dementia in memory care

The most common manifestations of dementia include cognitive decline, memory loss, and language impairment. Seen often in senior adults, this condition progresses up to the point where it impairs daily functioning. In advanced stages, those affected need regular assistance and monitoring, both of which are best provided within a memory care community. Assisted living facilities offer similar care, having established their own memory care units. Careful research will reveal the best facility for one's needs.

With dementia rates on the rise, it is certainly a good thing that there are many communities offering long-term care. With access to specialized assistance and care, these facilities welcome those who suffer from dementia. They also offer an adapted living environment, with focus on the resident's comfort. As mentioned above, residents benefit from constant monitoring, which means that they present a reduced risk of accidents and wandering.

After living an entire lifetime in the same house, it can be quite difficult to leave it behind and start afresh. The decision to move into memory care can make a genuine difference whereas the quality of life is concerned. Many times, dementia seniors are also thinking about their caregivers, who are doing their best to look after them. Ill-equipped to deal with the challenges brought on by dementia, they might suffer from health issues themselves. Burnout, for instance, is one of the most common occurrences and it can affect the overall quality of life.

It can happen that the manifestations of dementia are attributed to the normal aging process. Nonetheless, given the constant deterioration, many seniors reach the point where they will seek an accurate diagnosis. This is also the point where they will begin to consider their options, with long-term care standing at the top of the list. Memory care communities can help dementia seniors stay in control of what happens to them, being preferred to other alternatives.

When it comes to advanced stages, the demand for assistance and supervision increases. Within a memory care community, seniors have a structured environment, with countless safety features. They are helped by the personnel to manage their forgetfulness and other discomforting manifestations. Moreover, it has been determined that their mental health benefits the most from such a move. Mood swings are effectively deal with, and seniors present a lower risk of depression and anxiety.

All in all, moving into memory care ensures the best possible quality of life. The positive changes are noticed by caregivers, who are happy to report that their loves ones are doing better. From the enjoyable daily routine to the numerous therapies meant to help them preserve their current skills, there are many advantages to consider. The staff will encourage residents to interact with each other, planning various activities to fill their day with. There is also healthcare available, which is often offered by third-party providers.

Thanks to the specialists working in memory care communities, dementia seniors are able to manage their condition and even delay its progression. Difficult moments, such as an emotional outburst, are dealt with on the spot, without additional discomfort for the senior in question. Seniors have the opportunity to go on off-site trips regularly, so a fresh change of scenery is always guaranteed. They can take part in group events, thus avoiding the risk of social isolation.

Options for mental care in New Jersey

The diagnosis of dementia paves the way for many questions, leaving the senior in question feeling anxious about the future. Long-term care is often suggested by family and friends, who are acknowledging the need for additional support. Both assisted living and memory care facilities help dementia seniors thrive, providing them with access to adapted housing, specialized care, and assistance. They have experienced staff, dedicated to assisting seniors in overcoming difficult moments.

Memory care units have become increasingly available within assisted living facilities, thus catering to the increased demand for specialized care. Seniors can choose to move into such a community, taking advantage of the high living standards. Thanks to the multitude of services and amenities, most of them report an improvement whereas their manifestations are concerned. Couples have the advantage of staying close, even when they are in different levels of care.

If you are worried about making such a big transition, try looking at this change from a different perspective. You are doing what is best for your current situation, with a positive effect on the future. As your loved ones will confirm, memory care communities are best equipped to help you deal with the challenges brought on by dementia. Visiting different facilities, you will definitely find the one that suits you the most. Be sure to ask as many question as possible, as the detailed answers provided by the staff will help you form a general idea about each community in particular.

Services offered in NJ memory care centers

Predictability is vital for someone who suffers from a progressive condition such as dementia. This is the reason why memory care communities offer a structured routine, with services that improve the overall standard of living. Experienced staff is there every step of the way, making everyday life easier. Difficult chores are handled by additional personnel, so seniors have the freedom to enjoy their routine.

You can check out the services offered by each memory care community online, so that you are able to compare between different facilities. Particular advantages cover the following: safety and accessibility features, trained personnel, dementia-specific therapies. There are also general services available, including: 24/7 security, monitoring, scheduled transportation, errand running and shopping, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, general maintenance, meal planning and preparation, Internet and telephone access.

Seniors are encouraged to complete some tasks on their own or at least participate in each task, as this helps them preserve their current skills. The staff will provide assistance with common daily living activities, including eating, dressing, bathing, grooming and toileting. Each memory care community will offer additional services, including mobility assistance, medication management, incontinence care, diabetes care, and wound care.

Amenities offered by New Jersey memory care facilities

Seniors who move into memory care can choose between bedroom-style units and apartments. These do not have lockable doors, as the staff should be able to access the inside at all times. However, they have an emergency response system in case of major health events, and a multitude of accessibility and safety features. Within the bathrooms, there are special features included, which serve the purpose of preventing common accidents, such as slipping and falling.

In terms of amenities, dementia seniors have access to a wide array of choices. The activities planned each day are beneficial for both physical and mental health, encouraging socialization at the same time. Many of them are undertaken under the direct supervision of trained staff. Common options include: weekly religious service, walking/guided tours, computer room, library, birthday celebrations and other events, memory garden, off-site trips, fitness, yoga, and swimming. Additional amenities might be available, depending on each community.