Memory Care New Mexico

Memory care in New Mexico

In the state of New Mexico, there are about 40 memory care communities, as well as assisted living facilities that have integrated memory care units. Memory care centers can be found in the following cities: Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces and Santa Fe. All memory care facilities are licensed and regulated by the Division of Health Improvement, which belongs to the Department of Health. Prospective residents are welcomed to request free assistance in finding the best memory care community for their needs and budget.

All memory care communities in NM have their own acceptance criteria, starting with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia. Many also request a detailed list of physical and mental impairments, having a minimum admittance age that varies between 55 and 62. Additional criteria that might be presented include the following: marital status and income, co-existing conditions, treatments taken for chronic conditions, level of independence/need for assistance with ADLs. It is worth mentioning that all types of dementia are accepted, including: frontotemporal dementia, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

What kind of applications are refused? Memory care communities may have specific reasons for rejecting certain seniors. For instance, many memory care facilities do not accept seniors who cannot direct their own care, are bedridden, or suffer from infectious conditions. The same goes for those who require a particular type of care that the respective community cannot provide, such as long-term skilled nursing care or hospice care. Mentally-unstable seniors, who might pose a threat to themselves or others, will not be accepted as well.

After the application has been accepted, each resident undergoes a thorough examination. This serves the purpose of identifying current needs and challenges. Assessments are always handled by trained physicians, with the assistance of registered nurses. Specific aspects taken into consideration include: personality, behavior, emotional status, treatment schedule, level of independence, ability to handle ADLs, physical and mental health. Based on the results of this examination, an individual care plan is created. Plans are updated regularly and after major health events, such as stroke or heart attack.

Average cost of memory care in New Mexico

The average cost of memory care in New Mexico is $5,100. This is slightly higher than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Texas, Arizona, and Utah, New Mexico has more expensive memory care communities. Utah, for instance, has an average monthly cost of $4,200. Colorado is the only state in the region that has higher fees, but the difference is barely noticeable.

Within the state of New Mexico, the cost of memory care does not vary considerably. The most expensive communities are found in Farmington, averaging at $5,750 per month. On the other hand, Albuquerque has the most affordable facilities of this kind, with a monthly cost of $5,000. 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, which averages at $7,300 per month.

Management of dementia in memory care

Every year, more and more people receive the diagnosis of dementia. Symptoms commonly encountered include language impairment, memory loss, and cognitive decline. Unfortunately, this is a progressive condition, which can have a significant impact on the overall quality of life. Many seniors opt for long-term care, as they need assistance with everyday tasks and constant monitoring. Some of the best options include memory care communities, as well as assisted living facilities with integrated memory care units.

Dementia seniors thrive within memory care communities, enjoying the access to a wide range of services and amenities. For them, it is essential that they are assisted with tasks that are otherwise difficult to perform. The living environment is structured in such a manner that a partial degree of independence is guaranteed. Moreover, the experienced staff is always there, keeping the risk of accidents and wandering down to a minimum. Once integrated into memory care, most residents report an improvement whereas their life quality is concerned.

Despite the obvious benefits, many seniors struggle with the decision to move into memory care. They feel anxious about making such a big move and having to leave their old lifestyle behind. Often times, this decision is taken with the encouragement of either family or friends, who highlight the advantages incurred. Many of them have been acting as caregivers, feeling burned out. Ill-equipped to handle the challenges brought on by dementia, they acknowledge memory care as the better solution.

The changes caused by dementia might be initially attributed to the normal aging process. Nonetheless, with the passing of time, seniors begin to realize that something is wrong. They seek out an accurate diagnosis and then proceed to consider their options. Given the challenges associated with this condition, moving into a memory care community makes a lot of sense. These facilities offer adapted housing, assistance with ADLs, and healthcare, allowing for the effective management of dementia manifestations.

Severe forms of dementia are particularly difficult to manage alone, as the impaired functioning increases the risk of accidents. Memory loss causes seniors to struggle when it comes to remembering recent events, as well as the faces or names of their loved ones. As a result, they might become anxious, depressed, and withdrawn. They are dealing with mood swings, irritation, and even hallucinations. No longer able to distinguish between right and wrong, these seniors need to be monitored at all times.

Soon after moving into memory care, seniors exhibit an improved state of mind. Most of the memory care residents report feeling less alone, attesting to the fact that the daily routine had a positive effect on their health. The combination of safety features and predictable activities helps them reduce their anxiety, offering an added degree of protection. Thanks to the immediate availability of campus staff, they are able to handle more complex tasks. Healthcare is offered for co-existing conditions, often by third-party providers.

Regardless of how advanced one's condition is, one thing is guaranteed. Everyone in the memory care community will work to ensure a comfortable daily existence. From addressing common tasks to handling challenges, seniors have the possibility to keep their condition under control and enjoy their lives. They have access to a wide array of therapies, services, and amenities; many activities are targeted towards socialization, so residents never feel alone. Stimulating activities are always planned, with benefits for both mental and physical health.

Options for memory care in New Mexico

Once the diagnosis of dementia has been made, it is time to consider your options. As mentioned above, seniors begin to consider memory care at the advice of their family and friends. These are usually the ones to point out the benefits, especially in terms of specialized care and assistance. Another great option is represented by assisted living facilities which offer memory care. Both types of communities offer a structured living environment, with a peaceful atmosphere that benefits those who suffer from dementia.

Assisted living facilities have developed memory care units to satisfy the increased demand for dementia care. They have specialized staff, who has been trained to handle such seniors, as well as various therapies provided by experienced psychotherapists. Thanks to all these benefits, dementia seniors are able to delay the progression of their condition and preserve their current skills. They feel safe and protected, having the opportunity to take part in various group activities and events. Couples can remain close to each other, even when they require different levels of care.

Memory care offers seniors the chance to live their golden years in peace, managing their condition in the best way possible. With the help of their loved ones, they are researching various communities, locating the one that speaks to their needs the most. The big advantage is that many facilities allow prospective residents to visit their campus and ask plenty of questions. Detailed answers come from the staff, so seniors can decide whether the respective community would suit them or not.

Services offered in memory care in NM

To ensure a comfortable existence, memory care communities offer a wide array of services. These are integrated into the everyday routine, their predictability making seniors feel less anxious. Some of them are actually chores that would have been difficult to handle, offering seniors the freedom to fill their time with more pleasant activities. It is important to take into consideration that these services are offered at no additional cost, which is a huge benefit.

You can check the services each memory care community has available before the actual visit. These are usually listed online, with additional details on how they are provided. Keep in mind that these facilities also provide a safe living environment, dementia-focused therapies, and specialists in various domains. Their general services might include, but are not limited to the following: errand running and shopping, meal planning and preparation, general maintenance, 24/7 security, laundry and linen service, Internet and telephone access, housekeeping, and scheduled transportation.

An additional service available in all memory care communities is the assistance with ADLs. Even though seniors are encouraged to maintain their independence, this does not mean they will not be helped to perform certain tasks. In fact, assistance is usually offered for tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and grooming. Depending on each community, additional services might be offered, such as mobility assistance, diabetes care, wound care, incontinence care, and medication management. The latter can refer to the staff monitoring residents while taking their treatment or handling the respective task themselves.

Amenities offered by memory care centers in New Mexico

Those who want to live in a memory care community can choose between bedroom-style units and apartments. Please take into consideration that the doors do not lock, as the units must be accessed by the staff at all times. You will find that housing units have accessibility and safety features included, as well as an emergency response system in case of a major health event. Within the bathrooms, there are additional features to prevent common accidents, such as slipping and falling.

Memory care communities offer a daily routine filled with stimulating activities. These are beneficial for both physical and mental health, and they encourage seniors to engage with each other. Most activities can also be performed by those with advanced forms of dementia, under the direct supervision of the staff. Some of the most common amenities available include: fitness, swimming, yoga, weekly religious service, birthday celebrations and other events, memory garden, library, computer room, walking or guided tours. Additional amenities might be offered by each memory care community.