Memory Care Wisconsin

Memory care in Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, there are about 60 memory care communities, as well as assisted living facilities that have integrated memory care units. Memory care facilities can be found in the following urban locations: Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine, and Appleton. All the memory care centers in the state are licensed and regulated by the Division of Quality Assurance, which belongs to the Bureau of Assisted Living. Prospective residents can receive free assistance in finding the best memory care facility to meet their needs and available budget.

The admittance into memory care communities depends on the resident's ability to meet a number of specific criteria. For instance, seniors have to submit a confirmed diagnosis of dementia, accompanied by a list of current impairments. As for the minimum age requirement, this usually varies between 55 and 62, according to each community in particular. Additional acceptance criteria might include the following: marital status, income, co-existing conditions, treatments, physical and mental health, etc. Communities are free to impose their own admittance criteria.

An application might be refused if the resident finds himself/herself in a particular situation. It is customary for memory care communities to reject those who are unable to direct their own care, are bedridden, or suffer from infectious conditions. Seniors who require long-term skilled nursing care, hospice care, or any other type of care that the community cannot provide will be refused as well. The same goes for those who suffer from mental instability, posing a threat to themselves or others, and seniors who have severe cognitive decline.

Once a resident has been accepted into the respective memory care community, he/she will undergo a thorough examination. This is usually handled by a trained physician, with the assistance of a registered nurses. Common aspects analyzed include: physical and mental health, co-existing conditions, treatments taken, emotional status, behavior, and personality. The results of these assessments are used to develop custom care plans, which are updated on a regular basis and always after major health events, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Average cost of memory care in Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, the average cost of memory care is $5,400 per month. This is a bit higher than the national median of $5,000. By comparison, neighboring states, such as Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota have lower fees. The latter, for example, has an average monthly cost of $4,750. Given the differences between states, it should come as no surprise that many seniors often consider out-of-state facilities.

Within the state of Wisconsin, the cost of memory care varies considerably. The most expensive memory care communities are located in Racine, with an average monthly cost of almost $6,000. On the other hand, Madison has the most affordable facilities of this kind, averaging at $5,000 per month. Memory care costs more than other long-term care solutions, such as in-home care, home health care, adult day care, and assisted living. The only exception is represented by nursing home care, which costs over $8,000 per month.

How is dementia managed in memory care?

Older adults present a higher risk of developing chronic conditions, including dementia. This is a neurological condition, characterized by the gradual deterioration of both mental and physical health. Common manifestations include language impairment, cognitive decline, and memory loss. Seniors might struggle to live on their own, especially in the late stages. Instead of relying on caregivers, most of them prefer to move into memory care communities. There they can benefit from specialized care and assistance, enjoying a predictable daily routine and the countless opportunities for socialization.

Memory care communities welcome seniors who suffer from various forms of dementia, including frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy Body dementia. They offer adapted housing and a structured environment, helping residents feel less confused. Regardless of the illness stage, seniors receive assistance with everyday tasks and the trained staff monitors them 24/7. Safety features are chosen with care, so as to prevent injuries and wandering.

Daily meals and snacks are always prepared from fresh ingredients, with clear benefits from brain health. All residents have access to specialized healthcare, even though in some cases this might be covered by third-party providers. Memory care facilities only require monthly fees to be paid, so prospective residents do not have to worry about hidden costs. The access to various services and amenities is included in the monthly fees. It is worth mentioning that some facilities might allow short-term skilled nursing care to be provided; the cost for such healthcare is often covered by each resident.

When seniors make the transition into memory care, they are dealing with a mix of emotions. It can be hard to leave your home and arrive in a new place, where everything is different. However, given the challenges brought on by dementia, moving into a dedicated community is the best decision to take. With trained staff, these facilities are able to meet the very specific needs of dementia seniors. They provide high-quality care and assistance with ADLs, taking the necessary measures to improve the overall quality of life.

To guarantee a sense of personal satisfaction and achievement, the staff working in memory care communities encourages dementia seniors to maintain their independence. They complete certain tasks on their own or participate to every task, in accordance with their abilities. When it comes to the daily routine, seniors enjoy a wide range of stimulating activities, including dementia-specific therapies. Many of these activities can be performed in a group, providing the added benefit of socialization. As a result, seniors feel less anxious and depressed, with benefits for their physical health as well.

As their condition progresses, dementia seniors become more and more prone to self-harm, other injuries, and wandering. This is the reason why memory care communities work on including as many safety features as possible within their campuses. Common options include: alarmed exits or keyed entries, enclosed outdoor spaces, elevators with coded functioning, color-coded hallways, easy access to common spaces. In some memory care facilities, residents are required to wear tracking bracelets. This allows the staff to monitor them at all times, including when they are outside.

The staff working within memory care communities have both the practical experience and knowledge required to handle dementia seniors. Aside from monitoring and providing assistance with ADLs, they are able to handle difficult situations with ease. Residents who suffer from advanced forms of dementia often experience disorientation, confusion, and agitation. In some cases, they might also present hallucinations and emotional outbursts. The personnel handle difficult situations with kindness and empathy, helping seniors return to a state of calmness. In addition, they know which measures to take in order to prevent self-harm and injuries.

Options for memory care in Wisconsin

The decision to move into memory care is not one that is easy to take. After the diagnosis, seniors might continue to live alone and manage everyday living without help. The progression of dementia will force them to seek assistance, most often from friends or family members. Despite their willingness to act as caregivers, many of them will soon suffer from burnout, feeling ill-equipped to meet the needs of their loved ones. As a result, they might be the first to suggest alternative living solutions, such as memory care.

It is important to remember that memory care communities have been especially designed for the challenges of those who suffer from dementia. They offer a structured living environment, with adapted housing, high-quality care, and specialized assistance. Seniors benefit from healthcare and other services, being able to work on preserving their current skills and even delay the progression of their condition. With access to various amenities and therapies, both their mental and physical health improve. Moreover, they are no longer isolated, finding comfort in the value of shared experiences.

To meet the increased demand for memory care, assisted living facilities have developed their own units for dementia seniors. Just like the above-mentioned communities, they offer housing, care, and assistance with everyday tasks. Trained personnel look after residents, making sure they receive the necessary help. At the same time, they offer monitoring services, dementia-adapted therapies, and recreational activities. For couples, there is the added advantage of being able to live on the same campus, benefitting from different types/levels of care.

Services offered in memory care

All residents within a memory care community have access to a wide range of services. All services are provided by trained staff and often replace difficult-to-perform chores. In consequence, seniors have more time to focus on stimulating activities and therapies. What kind of services are offered? The list of potential options might include the following: 24/7 monitoring, general maintenance, Internet and telephone access, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, meal planning and preparation, errand running and shopping, laundry and linen service. Each facility might provide additional services.

The assistance with activities of daily living is one of the most important services provided. Depending on the disease stage and level of independence, seniors can be assisted with one or several ADLs. Common tasks for which help is available include: eating, dressing, bathing, oral hygiene, toileting, and grooming. Seniors might also benefit from specialized care, such as: mobility assistance, diabetes care, wound care, and incontinence care. Medication management is a service destined to all residents, with the staff either monitoring seniors while taking their treatment or handling the respective treatment administration themselves.

Amenities offered by memory care centers in Wisconsin

Memory care communities in Wisconsin have adapted living units for dementia seniors, commonly designed in the style of bedrooms or apartments. Residents can alive alone or with another person, depending on their preference and budget. All the units have accessibility and safety features, as well as emergency response systems in case of major health events. In addition, the bathrooms have their own safety features to prevent common accidents, such as slipping and falling on wet surfaces. These contribute to a significant reduction whereas the risk of injuries is concerned.

When it comes to amenities, memory care facilities have a lot to offer. Seniors enjoy the diversity offered and find value in the constant availability of recreational activities, with benefits for their general health. Among the most common amenities offered, one might find the following: swimming, yoga, fitness, outdoor walks, off-site trips, social clubs, birthday celebrations and other group events, weekly religious service, memory garden, library, computer room, etc. Additional amenities might be available in every memory care community and you might find them presented online.