Memory Care South Dakota

Memory care in South Dakota

In the state of South Dakota, there are only 20 memory care communities, as well as several assisted living facilities that have memory care units available. Memory care centers are mostly located in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. All the memory care facilities in the state are licensed and regulated by the Office of Healthcare Facilities, which belongs to the Department of Health. Prospective residents can receive free assistance with finding the best community, in accordance with their needs and budget.

To be accepted into a memory care community, seniors have to meet several criteria. One of the most important is the confirmed diagnosis of dementia. It might also be necessary to present a detailed list of current impairments, both physical and mental. As for the minimum acceptance age, this usually varies between 55 and 62. Seniors who have been diagnosed with any type of dementia are welcomed into memory care, including those with frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Lewy Body disease. Additional criteria considered are: income, marital status, level of independence/need for assistance, income, and marital status.

Applications are refused for specific reasons as well. Memory care communities in SD do not accept those who are mentally unstable, posing a threat to themselves or others. The same goes for seniors who suffer from infectious conditions, are bedridden, or have been diagnosed with severe cognitive decline. If seniors are unable to direct their own care, they will not be accepted. Should the senior in question require hospice care, long-term skilled nursing care, or any other type of care that cannot be provided within the respective facility, the application will be rejected as well.

After being accepted, seniors undergo thorough examinations, so both their needs and requirements can be identified. Examinations are handled by experienced physicians, with the help of a trained nurse. Among the aspects examined, there are: level of independence/assistance required, physical and mental health, co-existing conditions, personality, emotional status, behavior, and treatments taken. Based on the results of this examination, custom care plans are created. These are updated every couple of months and always after major health events.

Average cost of memory care in South Dakota

In the state of South Dakota, the average cost of memory care is $4,375. This is considerably lower than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Minnesota, Wyoming, and Nebraska, South Dakota has more affordable rates. The only exception is represented by North Dakota, which has a slightly lower monthly cost for memory care.

Within the state of South Dakota, the monthly median cost of memory care varies from one city to the other. The most expensive memory care communities can be found in Rapid City, with an average of $4,900 per month. On the other hand, Sioux Falls has the most affordable facilities of this kind, averaging at $4,195 per month. Memory care costs more than adult day care and assisted living, but it represents a more affordable option in comparison to in-home care, home health care, and nursing home care. The latter has a monthly average of $6,800.

How is dementia managed in memory care in South Dakota?

Dementia is a neurological condition, which progresses over time and leads to discomforting manifestations, such as memory loss, cognitive decline, and language impairment. Even though there are cases in which the diagnosed patients are young, this condition is mostly seen in the older population. Seniors suffer from impaired functioning, presenting a high risk of accidents and wandering. Given all these issues, it makes sense for them to consider alternative living solutions, such as memory care. Luckily for them, these communities offer everything they might need to manage their health issues.

The initial manifestations of dementia are not specific, with seniors often attributing them to aging. They might deal with forgetfulness and confusion, delaying the visit to a specialist. Usually, a lot of time passes before an actual diagnosis is made. The progression of dementia will make the symptoms more obvious, forcing seniors to seek out answers. Aside from the above-mentioned issues, they might also deal with concentration difficulties and impaired functioning. They might not be able to remember what happened recently, as well as the faces and names of their loved ones.

Unfortunately, the changes brought on by dementia also lead to mental health issues, with anxiety and depression being the most common. As a result, most seniors become withdrawn, avoiding the interaction with other people. Mood swings become frequent as well, with many seniors experiencing a state of irritation and discomfort. These manifestations are often noticed by caregivers, who might encourage them to consider alternative living solutions, such as memory care. Within such a community, they benefit from specialized care and assistance; the move is also beneficial for caregivers, who might already deal with burnout themselves.

Seniors nowadays have a lot of residential long-term care options to choose from, but memory care is clearly the best one for their needs. Quality care, adapted housing, access to dementia-specific therapies – there are plenty of advantages to take into consideration. Dementia seniors are assisted with everyday tasks, in accordance with their abilities. They also have access to some of the best specialists in their state, being able to deal with the changes brought on by dementia in an effective manner. As a result, they are feeling less confused, enjoying the predictable daily routine.

After moving into memory care, many seniors report an improved state of health. They adjust rapidly to the new environment, feeling comfortable and protected at the same time. In many cases, seniors report a reduced state of anxiety and depression. This is because memory care communities offer seniors the right tools to manage both their physical and mental health. Their meals are always prepared from fresh ingredients, beneficial for the brain. For those who have co-existing health issues, dietary adjustments are possible. The staff has experience in handling dementia seniors, being able to offer the necessary assistance and support.

The safety of all residents is ensured through specific measures. For instance, all exits are equipped with alarms, the elevators require security codes to function, and outdoor spaces are enclosed to prevent seniors from wandering. Each memory care community might include additional safety features, including within living units. Residents are monitored by the staff at all times, to make sure they are safe. In the situation of those with advanced dementia, the staff might help them to attend meals and other planned activities (mobility assistance).

In some memory care facilities, residents have to wear tracking bracelets, as this allows the staff to monitor them more easily. Moreover, by wearing these bracelets, seniors have more freedom to explore the open outdoors. When it comes to the daily routine, seniors are encouraged to choose activities they find stimulating. As usual, the staff can provide the necessary assistance. Various therapies can help them work on their current skills and delay the progression of dementia. There are also group activities that encourage residents to socialize, thus reducing their anxiety and depression. All of these can be enjoyed by seniors with advanced dementia as well.

Options for memory care in South Dakota

After the diagnosis of dementia has been made, seniors might continue to live in their own homes. They might be helped by their family or friends, who assume the roles of caregivers and provide the necessary assistance. However, dementia will continue to progress, up to the point where it will no longer be possible to live alone. Some seniors might move into assisted living or continuous care communities, but it is important to remember these cannot cater to their very specific needs. As already mentioned, memory care communities are best equipped to help those who suffer from dementia.

In terms of options, seniors can consider memory care communities or the assisted living facilities that have integrated memory care units. Both present their services online, including when it comes to the campus, available housing, and daily activities. Many seniors first look at the communities in their state, extending their search gradually to neighboring states. Guided tours can be booked for most communities, so you can check out the campus and ask questions about their services. You can go on these tours accompanied by your friends or family, discussing your options with them.

Services offered in memory care in South Dakota

The diversity of services available within memory care communities is impressive. As many of these services are actually chores, seniors have the opportunity to fill their day with more pleasant activities. They no longer have to worry about these complex tasks, which is also beneficial for their mental health. To offer a degree of predictability, each day is planned to the letter. A set daily routine helps residents feel less stressed, not to mention it reduces some of the confusion experienced.

In many facilities, the environment is adapted to the needs and challenges of the residents. Seniors benefit from healthcare, which is often offered by third-party providers. In this situation, the costs have to be covered by each resident. The general list of services includes the following: meal planning and preparation, laundry and linen service, 24/7 security, Internet and telephone access, errand running and shopping, scheduled transportation, housekeeping, and general maintenance.

Residents receive assistance with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and grooming. This is offered in accordance with their ability, and the staff always encourages them to maintain their independence for as long as it is possible. Seniors who have advanced dementia might benefit from additional support. Additional services offered within memory care include: diabetes care, medication management, incontinence care, wound care, and mobility assistance.

Amenities offered by memory care facilities in SD

Memory care communities offer different types of housing, with common choices including apartments and bedroom-style units. All the units have emergency response systems in case of major health events. There are also accessibility and safety features that facilitate daily living. As the staff must access the units at all times, there are no lockable entries. To prevent common accidents, such as slipping and falling, the bathrooms are equipped with additional safety features.

In terms of amenities, memory care communities have a lot to offer. Residents enjoy a routine filled with pleasant activities, beneficial for both physical and mental health. Even those with advanced dementia can take part in some of these activities, under the direct supervision or with the assistance of the staff. Common amenities include: swimming pool, fitness center, yoga classes, guided/walking tours, memory garden, social clubs, birthday celebrations and other events, library, computer room, weekly religious service, off-site trips, etc. Additional amenities might be offered by each community in particular.