Memory Care New York

Memory care in New York

In the state of New York, there are over 400 memory care communities, as well as assisted living facilities that provide memory care as a service. Memory care centers can be found in the following locations: New York, Edgewater, Brooklyn, North Bergen, East Northport, Lynbrook, and Yonkers. All memory care facilities are licensed and regulated by the Department of Health. Prospective residents can fill in an online form to benefit from free assistance in finding the best community for their needs and budget.

Acceptance into memory care communities is based on each resident's ability to meet certain criteria. Aside from the confirmed diagnosis of dementia, seniors should be able to present a detailed list of physical and mental impairments. They must also meet the minimum admittance age, which varies between 55 and 62, depending on each facility. Seniors who suffer from any type of dementia are accepted, including vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Other criteria might regard: treatments, needs and requirements, level of independence/assistance with ADLs, co-existing conditions.

The right to refuse certain applicants belongs to each memory care community. It is common for such facilities to reject those who are mentally unstable, representing a threat to themselves or others. The same goes for those who require long-term skilled nursing care, hospice care, or any other type of care that cannot be provided within the respective center. Seniors who are unable to direct their own care, those who suffer from infectious conditions, or are bedridden, will be rejected as well. Usually, the acceptance guidelines can be found on the website of each facility.

Initial assessments are organized for all admitted residents, to the purpose of identifying both needs and challenges. Handled by a trained physician, with the assistance of an experienced nurse, these examinations are very useful for the future. They usually focus on particular aspects, such as: behavior, emotional status, personality, level of independence, co-existing conditions, treatments, physical and mental health. Based on the results of this assessment, a custom care plan is created. Plans are updated every couple of months and always after major health events.

Average cost of memory care in New York

In the state of New York, the average monthly cost of memory care is $5,700. This is higher than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, New York has more affordable memory care. The only neighboring state with less expensive rates is Pennsylvania, averaging at $4,800 per month.

Within the state of New York, the cost of memory care varies considerably. The most expensive memory care properties are found in New York City, with an average monthly cost of $8,600. In Syracuse, one can find the most affordable facilities of this kind, averaging at $5,000 per month. Compared to other long-term care options, such as in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living, memory care costs less. Nursing home care is the only one that costs more, with an average monthly cost of $11,000.

Management of dementia in memory care facilities in NY

Dementia is a neurological condition, which progresses over time and leads to discomforting manifestations, such as language impairment, memory loss, and cognitive decline. As it impairs functioning, problem-solving abilities, and even physical health, there will come a point when the respective person will not be able to manage on his/her own. This is the main reason why seniors, who are most commonly affected by this condition, will consider long-term care. Two of the best options include memory care communities and assisted living facilities that have memory care units available.

Memory care refers to communities that offer long-term care, along specialized assistance and housing, to those who suffer from dementia. Many assisted living facilities have developed their own memory care units, catering to the increased demand for such kind of care. Both welcome dementia seniors, helping them deal with the challenges of their condition and enjoy their daily existence.

The difference from other facilities lies in being able to provide a safe and structured environment, with a predictable daily routine that helps dementia seniors feel less anxious or stressed. From carefully-chosen meal plans to trained staff ready to assist residents with various tasks, these communities go the extra mile to provide high-quality care. Not only is the staff capable of providing specialized assistance, but they have experience with the unique issues dementia presents. Thus, residents benefit from the extra support needed to navigate difficult moments.

Upon dealing with cognitive decline and forgetfulness, many seniors attribute these changes to the normal aging process. The progression of dementia will make them realize that something is wrong; at this point, most people begin to seek out a specialist for diagnosis. Once they discover dementia is actually to blame, they may start looking at long-term care options. Memory care stands at the top of the list, as it offers a structured living environment, with safety features, healthcare, and specialized assistance.

It is clear that dementia cannot be managed alone, especially when it progresses to advanced stages. Due to the impaired functioning, seniors present a high risk of accidents. They might struggle to remember what happened recently or even the names of their loved ones. Anxiety and depression can manifest themselves, causing seniors to become withdrawn. Mood swings can appear as well, leading to a constant state of irritation. In some cases, hallucinations can also be present. Seniors who deal with such severe manifestations require non-stop monitoring.

The move into a memory care community is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Seniors adjust fast to the new setting, showing a more positive mindset. Thanks to the support offered and the immediate proximity of people dealing with similar issues, they are feeling less anxious and depressed. Most seniors report that life in a memory care facility helped them manage their condition, with a lower occurrence of mood swings. Instead of becoming withdrawn, they are actually looking forward to group activities.

Memory care communities provide dementia seniors with two essential benefits, meaning comfort and safety. Everyone works hard to ensure complex needs are met, while challenges are more easily overcome. Seniors enjoy the daily routine and feel reassured by the constant presence of the trained staff. They benefit from a wide range of therapies, provided by specialists in various domains of expertise. In addition, many of the activities planned are meant to help them preserve their skills and delay the progression of dementia.

Options for memory care in New York

Dementia seniors have a lot of options when it comes to long-term care. Many of them opt for continuous care or assisted living, especially in the beginning. As their condition advances, they will re-consider their choices, turning towards memory care. Memory care communities have clear benefits to offer, with adapted living settings and specialized care. Similar benefits are offered by memory care units that belong to assisted living facilities, including when it comes to the trained staff.

The development of memory care units within assisted living communities was a great decision. In the past decade, more and more people have been diagnosed with dementia, requiring long-term care and assistance. These units satisfy the increased need for housing and care, providing additional benefits at the same time. Dementia seniors are usually encouraged by their families or friends to consider this option, soon realizing that it was a step in the right direction. For couples, this is one of the best solutions, as they can live on the same campus and benefit from different types of care.

Both memory care communities and assisted living facilities welcome dementia seniors with open arms, helping them live their retirement in peace. To find the best community, seniors are encouraged to research various facilities. As most of them allow tours of their premises, prospective residents have the opportunity to form a general idea about what to do expect.

Services offered in memory care in the state of New York

The services available within memory care communities contribute to a comfortable daily existence. Part of the daily routine, they offer an added benefit to dementia seniors, as they may ease their anxiety. The inclusion of daily chores is a stroke of genius; many older adults struggle with handling such tasks and having some else to take care of them brings genuine relief. All the available services are included in the monthly fees, so there are no additional costs to worry about.

If you are curious about the services a certain community provides, you can go online and check out its website. Many facilities have developed a strong online presence, some of them even offer virtual tours of their campus. It is worth remembering that memory care communities offer safety features, dementia-specific therapies, and access to specialists, all of these as part of their service list. As for the general services, these can include: Internet and telephone access, scheduled transportation, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, general maintenance, 24/7 security, laundry and linen service, errand running and shopping.

Dementia seniors also benefit from assistance with activities of daily living. They are indeed encouraged to be independent and complete some of the tasks themselves, but the staff is always available to offer the necessary support. In fact, assistance is usually offered for tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and grooming. Additional services might be provided, including wound care, diabetes care, mobility assistance, incontinence care, and medication management.

Amenities in New York memory care facilities

Housing options can vary from one community to the other, including apartments and bedroom-style units. There are no lockable entries, so the staff can access the respective unit(s) upon need. Safety and accessibility features are added to all units, to the purpose of facilitate daily living and reducing the risk of accidents. Moreover, there is a functional emergency response system in case of major health events. Bathrooms are equipped with additional features to protect against common accidents.

In terms of amenities, memory care communities have a lot to offer. With obvious benefits for physical and mental health, these also encourage seniors to socialize and fill their day in a pleasant manner. Seniors who suffer from advanced forms of dementia are supervised by the staff. Common amenities may include the following: computer room, memory garden, library, walking or guided tours, weekly religious service, birthday celebrations and other events, yoga, fitness, and swimming. Each memory care facility might offer additional amenities.