Memory Care Oregon

Memory care in Oregon

In the state of Oregon, there are about 250 memory care communities, as well as assisted living facilities that have memory care units available. Memory care centers can be found in the following cities: Portland, Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Grants Pass, Medford, and Bend. All the memory care facilities in the state are licensed and regulated by the Oregon Department of Human Services. Prospective residents can be assisted with finding the best community, in accordance with their budget and needs. To benefit from the free matching service, all they have to do is complete an online form.

Each memory care community in Oregon establishes its own admittance criteria, but you might discover they all share some similarities. For instance, prospective residents must submit a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, along a detailed list of current impairments. Seniors have to meet the minimum admittance age, which varies between 55 and 62. Additional criteria to be considered include: marital status, income, physical and mental health, co-existing conditions, treatment schedules, cognitive status, etc. It is worth mentioning that all types of dementia are accepted, including Alzheimer's disease and mixed dementia.

Unfortunately, it can happen that an application is rejected. Memory care communities do not accept those who suffer from mental instability, posing a threat to themselves or others. The same goes for seniors who are unable to direct their own care, those diagnosed with infectious conditions, or permanently bedridden. Seniors who require hospice care, long-term skilled nursing care, or any other type of care that the respective community cannot provide, will be refused as well. Some communities might also reject those who present severe cognitive decline or need complex treatments provided by specialized personnel.

After an application has been accepted, the respective resident will undergo a thorough examination. This is done for all those who have been welcomed into the memory care community; assessments are handled by trained physicians, with the assistance of registered nurses. Among the most common aspects analyzed, there are: physical and mental health, level of independence/assistance required, emotional status, behavior, personality, needs and challenges, etc. The assessments are used to develop custom care plans, which are updated every couple of months and always after major health events.

Average cost of memory care in Oregon

In the state of Oregon, the average cost of memory care is $5,600. This is higher than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Idaho, Nevada, and California, Oregon has higher rates. Memory care in Nevada, for instance, costs about $4,200 per month. The only exception is represented by Washington, which has an average monthly cost of $6,800.

Within the state of Oregon, the average cost of memory care varies considerably. The most expensive memory care communities are located in Grants Pass, averaging at $6,400 per month. On the other hand, Medford has an average monthly cost of $4,900. Memory care costs more than alternative long-term care solutions, such as in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living. Nursing home care is the only one that costs more, with an average monthly rate of $9,500.

Management of dementia in memory care

Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can benefit from long-term residential care. Memory care facilities have been especially designed to cater to such residents, offering a safe and structured environment. The focus lies on helping dementia seniors manage discomforting manifestations, such as forgetfulness, language impairment, and cognitive decline. After moving in such communities, seniors report an improved quality of life, with a reduced risk of confusion and wandering.

Dementia is a progressive condition, which means that its manifestations become worse over time. Seniors might find it easier to deal with their symptoms within a memory care community, since these cater exactly to their specific needs. Aside from the specialized care and trained staff, memory care communities also provide safety features, memory enhancing therapies, and engaging activities. As a result, seniors are able to maintain their skills for as long as it is possible, enjoying their everyday life.

If you are wondering about the benefits of memory care, you should know there are quite a lot to consider. Memory care communities offer a secure environment, preventing residents from suffering injuries or wandering. The staff has experience in working with dementia seniors and are even trained to offer supportive therapies. Residential buildings have unique layouts to minimize confusion and each resident benefits from person-centered dementia care. Often times, the care is coordinated with other health care providers, which is a definite advantage.

With their symptoms worsening over time, seniors become unable to live on their own. Their families or friends often assume the roles of caregivers, feeling stressed and burdened. The progression of dementia makes it difficult for symptoms to be managed; many seniors experience hallucinations and frequent outbursts, and living at home might not be the safest alternative.

People who suffer from advanced forms of dementia require constant monitoring in a living environment adapted to their needs. Seniors might benefit from assistance with ADLs, such as eating, dressing, bathing, grooming, and toileting. They might feel disoriented and confused, sometimes showing aggressive tendencies. Given all these changes, it makes sense for them to be integrated into a memory care community. Specialized staff can provide the support needed, having both the knowledge and practical experience to handle difficult situations.

Moving into a memory care community is a decision that benefits caregivers as well. People who care long-term for a dementia senior often deal with chronic stress, finding it hard to handle other responsibilities. Due to the increased physical and emotional stress, they might suffer from health issues themselves. For instance, most caregivers report a diagnosis of burnout, with a decreased quality of life. In memory care, seniors receive the help they need, with caregivers finally getting respite.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits that memory care communities offer is a safe environment. Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are prone to wandering, often getting lost or suffering injuries. The priority of memory care communities is the safety of all residents. This is the reason why the exterior doors are always locked, all elevators function with code inputs, and exits have alarmed keypads. Residents are monitored by the staff at all times, often with the help of tracking bracelets. Outdoor spaces are enclosed, which allows residents to spend time outside with no additional risks.

Options for memory care in Oregon

In the initial stage of dementia, most seniors continue to live in their own homes, managing their symptoms with no additional help. As dementia worsens, they might rely on their family or friends for assistance. As mentioned, these often act as caregivers, feeling the burden of dementia themselves. When dementia advances to the point where constant monitoring is necessary, alternative living solutions should be considered. Assisted living and continuous care can be suited to those in the initial stages, but not for those who have severe manifestations.

Memory care communities are best suited to those who suffer from advanced dementia, providing a safe and structured environment. They have trained staff, quality care, and services to guarantee the best possible quality of life. In addition, they are designed in such a manner that they reduce confusion and anxiety. Living spaces are easily identified by residents and many safety features are considered to prevent potential injuries. Many facilities go the extra mile to ensure a feeling of familiarity, which helps residents feel at home and less depressed as a result.

As mentioned above, memory care units can often be a part of a larger community. Many assisted living facilities have developed these units, in order to cover the increased demand for such type of care. These units welcome seniors who suffer from different forms of dementia, also providing a safe and calming environment, with adapted housing, quality care, and assistance. Specialized personnel are always available, and seniors benefit from a predictable daily routine.

Services offered in memory care

The staff within memory care facilities is always available to provide various services, having benefitted from regular training. Seniors are encouraged to maintain their independence, in accordance with their current abilities and challenges. Naturally, those who suffer from advanced dementia benefit from as much support as needed. Among the services provided, there are memory-enhancing therapies, which can help residents preserve their current skills and delay the progression of dementia.

All residents benefit from a general range of services, which can include the following: errand running and shopping, laundry and linen service, housekeeping, Internet and telephone access, general maintenance, meal planning and preparation, 24/7 security, scheduled transportation. Seniors receive assistance with everyday tasks, which are also known as ADLs. Common tasks for which assistance is provided have been mentioned above. Additional services might be offered, such as wound care, incontinence care, mobility assistance, diabetes care, and medication management.

Amenities in memory care in the state of Oregon

Seniors can move into memory care communities, choosing between apartments and bedroom-style units. All units have been adapted to their needs, being equipped with safety and accessibility features. There are also emergency response systems in case of major health events. The entries cannot be locked, so the staff can access the living units at any given moment. Within the bathroom, one will find additional features, which are meant to prevent common accidents, such as slipping and falling.

Thanks to the support offered by the staff, residents can engage in a wide range of stimulating activities. They have access to a wide range of amenities, including: art classes, fitness, social clubs, weekly religious service, swimming, birthday celebrations and other events, yoga, computer room, library, walking/guided tours, memory garden. Those with advanced dementia might also benefit from additional activities, in accordance with their cognitive level. Many memory communities also provide music therapy, pet therapy, reminiscence therapy, and aromatherapy. All of these can be beneficial for those dealing with memory loss.