Memory Care West Virginia

Memory care in West Virginia

In the state of West Virginia, there are about 25 memory care communities, as well as several assisted living facilities that have memory care units integrated. Memory care centers can be found in the following locations: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Wheeling. All the facilities in the state are licensed and regulated by the Department of Health and Human Resources. Prospective residents can benefit from free assistance when it comes to finding a memory care community that fits both their needs and budget.

To be admitted into a memory care facility in WV, seniors have to meet specific criteria. For example, they have to submit a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, accompanied by a list of current impairments. The minimum admittance age varies between 55 and 62, according to the policy of each facility. Seniors who suffer from any type of dementia are accepted, including those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and Lewy Body dementia. Other criteria regard physical and mental health, co-existing conditions, treatments, marital status, and income.

Unfortunately, not all applications are accepted. Memory care communities in West Virginia do not accept those who require long-term skilled nursing care, hospice care, or any other type of care that they are unable to provide. The same goes for those who are bedridden, suffer from infectious conditions or are unable to direct their own care. Seniors who suffer from mental instability, posing a threat to themselves or others, as well as those with severe cognitive decline will be refused. Each facility reserves its right to refuse certain applications, especially if prospective residents failed to meet the admittance criteria.

After being admitted into memory care, seniors undergo thorough assessments. These serve the purpose of identifying current needs and challenges, being handled by trained physicians and nurses. These examinations might regard the following aspects: co-existing conditions, treatment schedules, personality, behavior, emotional status, level of independence/assistance required, physical and mental health. Based on the results of these examinations, custom care plans are created. These are updated every couple of months and after major health events.

Average cost of memory care in WV

In the state of West Virginia, the average cost of memory care is $4,600 per month. This is a bit lower than the national median of $5,000. Compared to neighboring states, such as Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, West Virginia has more affordable rates. The state of Kentucky is the only one that has more affordable memory care communities, with an average monthly cost of $4,300.

Within the state of West Virginia, the cost of memory care does not vary considerably. The most expensive facilities are located in Charleston, with a monthly cost of $5,000. On the other hand, Wheeling has the most affordable communities of this kind, averaging at $4,200 per month. Memory care costs more than other long-term care options, such as in-home care, home health, adult day care, and assisted living. The only exception is represented by nursing home care, with an average monthly cost of over $10,000.

How is dementia managed in memory care?

Dementia is commonly encountered in the older population, affecting their language, cognition, and memory. Over time, seniors have difficulties going through their everyday routine, needing assistance and specialized care. The loss of function leaves them no other choice but to consider alternative living solutions, with memory care as one of their top options. Welcoming those diagnosed with dementia, these communities provide everything they might need to manage their condition. From trained staff to an incredible diversity of services and amenities, they help seniors enjoy the highest possible standard of living.

Within a memory care community, dementia seniors are able to work on preserving their current skills. In some cases, they might even be able to delay the progression of their condition. Offering a person-centered approach to care, these centers offer safety features and memory-enhancing therapies. The predictable routine brings peace of comfort to residents, helping them feel less anxious and stressed. Moreover, the living environment is adapted to their needs and the staff has experience in working with dementia seniors.

It often happens that both family members and friends support the decision of moving into memory care. The role of caregiver is not easy to handle, leading to burnout and other health issues over time. Feeling ill-equipped to handle their loved ones with dementia, they are searching for better suited solutions. As a result, they encourage seniors to think about memory care and the obvious advantages to be incurred. It is common knowledge that many seniors find value in shared experiences, their overall health improving as a result.

For seniors diagnosed with dementia, memory care communities offer the ideal environment in which they could manage their manifestations. Thanks to the high-quality care, discomforting changes, such as agitation, disorientation, and confusion, are minimized and even eliminated. The staff monitors residents 24/7, making sure they are both comfortable and safe. Other facilities might be able to meet the needs of dementia seniors, but only in the beginning stages. Once the condition progresses to the point where it impairs functioning, memory care becomes the best option.

After moving into such a facility, many seniors report an improvement of their manifestations. They enjoy the daily routine and the constant presence of trained personnel, ready to provide assistance whenever necessary. It is also worth mentioning that the staff takes all the possible measures to help seniors feel better. These measures might include but are not limited to the following: engaging activities, constant monitoring, signs and memory aides, structured living environment, memory-enhancing therapies, etc.

As dementia advances, seniors deal with accentuated memory loss and cognitive impairment. They might struggle to take part in a conversation, as a result of language and concentration difficulties. Caregivers might notice that their loved ones are no longer able to take care of themselves, showing a lack of personal hygiene and other odd behaviors. They might also skip meals and forego chores, with their living environment suffering as a result. Within memory care communities, all of these issues are addressed, and the overall health improves. In addition, as the burden of chores is eliminated, seniors have more freedom to engage in stimulating activities.

Safety is one of the top priorities in memory care communities. Not only are the residents monitored by the staff at all times, but there are countless safety features available. In some facilities, residents are required to wear tracking bracelets. This allows them the necessary freedom to explore outdoor spaces, reducing the risk of wandering at the same time. Other safety features might include: keyed entries, elevators with codes, exits with alarms, etc. These are also meant to reduce the risk of injury and self-harm.

Options for memory care in West Virginia

In the beginning, when the manifestations of dementia are not too severe, many seniors might keep living in their own home. The progression of their symptoms might make it harder to manage everyday living alone. Family and friends might assume the roles of caregivers, struggling to look after their loved ones. At some point, though, it will become clear that dementia seniors require specialized care and assistance. Some of the options they might consider include assisted living facilities, continuous care retirement communities, and memory care centers.

Memory care communities are best suited for those who suffer from advanced dementia, with the trained staff providing both assistance and supervision. Moreover, as mentioned above, they are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that seniors are both safe and comfortable. They have access to memory-enhancing therapies, being able to work on their skills and abilities. A stimulating daily routine helps them feel less isolated and anxious, while the living environment is directly adapted to their needs.

Assisted living facilities offer memory care as well, welcoming dementia seniors. Just like memory care communities, they help seniors improve their overall quality of life and enjoy everyday living. Advantages include: adapted housing, specialized care, assistance, memory-enhancing therapies, trained staff, safety features. As a result, seniors can enjoy their life and even minimize the intensity of their symptoms. Thanks to the countless opportunities for socialization, residents feel less anxious and depressed, which is highly beneficial for their general health.

Services offered in memory care in West Virginia

The services provided within memory care communities contribute to a higher quality of life. Not only do these facilitate daily existence, but they also guarantee residents adjust faster to the new living environment. Both memory-enhancing therapies and safety features are chosen with care, while the staff receives regular training for working with dementia seniors. Residents benefit from nutritious meals, prepared from fresh ingredients that are beneficial for brain health. Experienced physicians provide regular checkups, while registered nurses ensure seniors adhere to prescribed treatments.

Seniors benefit from a general range of services, which are meant to remove the burden of chores and offer more time for engaging activities. Among the most common services available, there are: general maintenance, 24/7 security, Internet and telephone access, errand running and shopping, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, laundry and linen service, etc. Additional services offered include: wound care, diabetes care, incontinence care, and mobility assistance. As mentioned above, all residents benefit from medication management as a basic service.

Amenities offered by memory care centers in West Virginia

Adapted housing is available for all residents who move into a memory care community. These units offer a high level of comfort and serve the needs of dementia seniors, being designed either as apartments or bedrooms. All living units have safety and accessibility features, as well as emergency response systems in case of major health events. The bathrooms have their own safety features, with the purpose of preventing common accidents, such as slipping on a wet surface and falling.

In terms of amenities, memory care facilities have a lot of appealing options. Integrated into the daily routine, these help residents enjoy everyday life and experience a sense of accomplishment. In addition, they contribute to a better state of health and promote socialization at the same time. Among the most common amenities available, there are: library, computer room, weekly religious service, off-site trips, birthday events and other celebrations, social clubs, memory garden, guided/walking tours, swimming, fitness, and yoga. Each memory care facility might offer additional amenities.