For seniors beginning to show signs of cognitive decline, staying in their home setting can be difficult and often dangerous. Assisted living programs provide a safe and caring environment for seniors with memory struggles, so they can receive the care they need without sacrificing the independence that's important to them.
Types of Assisted Living Programs
Assisted living programs vary greatly in the services they offer and the level of care provided.
Independent Living
This type of program is designed to help seniors remain as independent as possible while still receiving some assistance with activities such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation.
Assisted Living
In this type of facility, staff members provide more hands-on care than in independent living communities. Residents may receive help with eating, bathing, or personal hygiene tasks depending on their individual needs.
Memory Care
Memory care facilities specialize in caring for individuals with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. A variety of therapeutic activities are available to improve well-being through engagement and meaningful interaction among other residents and caregivers alike.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
These types of settings typically require 24/7 supervision from nurses or other medical personnel and also provide round-the-clock access to health professionals such as physicians for ongoing medical management if needed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Program
When selecting an assisted living program best suited for a loved one, you need to consider
- The individual's level of mental decline.
- Services offered at different facilities
- Their insurance coverage
- The associated cost of that facility.
Each individual's needs are different, which makes it crucial that you evaluate what your loved one needs most as you select an assisted living facility.
The Best Care Options for Different Levels of Cognitive Decline
When compared to nursing homes, assisted living programs are typically less expensive and can provide a higher quality of life for those in need. When choosing an assisted living program, it is important to understand the different levels of mental decline that exist, so you can select the right facility for your loved one's needs.
Mild Cognitive Decline
Individuals with mild cognitive impairment display difficulty remembering details or misplace items more often than before. In this stage, seniors can still perform day-to-day tasks on their own, but may benefit from independent living communities where staff are available should assistance be needed.
Moderate Cognitive Decline
People with this type of impaired cognition usually require help managing their medications as well as performing basic activities such as bathing or dressing, thus making an assisted living situation more suitable for this level of demand.
Severe Cognitive Decline
This debilitating condition requires full-time care and supervision, which is best provided by a memory care unit or skilled nursing facilities boasting 24/7 nurse staffing availability.
Get Help Caring for a Loved One with Cognitive Decline at Home
In the early stages of cognitive decline, your loved one may get by just fine with basic care services at home. At Senior Helpers Central Iowa, we help provide a variety of in-home care services, including help with daily tasks, companionship services, and overnight care, to seniors in Urbandale, Ankeny, Ames, Des Moines, Boone, and Johnston. Contact us today to learn more.