Exploring Memory Care Options for Alzheimer’s Patients

To have someone there for them in the moments we can’t be. You want someone who can offer support while allowing them to live independently! There are many factors to consider when seeking the best path for memory care. 

The experts at BridgeWater memory care communities know senior living isn’t one-size-fits-all. This article will highlight some options to help you identify the most suitable choice for yourself or your loved ones.

Understanding Memory Care

Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors dealing with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Like assisted living communities, memory care communities like BridgeWater offer assistance with daily tasks, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and medication management. Memory care also goes the extra mile by providing enhanced safety and security measures, increased supervision, and specialized training for staff in cognitive therapy.  

One of the features of memory care is its structured environment, designed to cater to the specific needs of residents. Additionally, residents in memory care communities have 24/7 access to any assistance they may need, ensuring their safety and well-being.  

Caring for a Loved one at Home

While many people may prefer to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible, this choice often comes with unique challenges. As a caregiver for a family member with dementia, you may find yourself juggling multiple roles, that of a partner, parent, and employee. Here are options to consider to support yourself and your loved one.

• Meal Delivery Services: Services like Meals on Wheels are a great place to start. They provide nutritious and balanced meals delivered directly to your doorstep. These services can be valuable if you or your loved one struggle with meal preparation or remembering to eat, ensuring that essential nutrition and hydration needs are met.  
• Rotating Family Schedule: Creating a rotating family schedule can effectively share caregiving responsibilities among family members. To prevent confusion, organize a family meeting to discuss each member’s contributions, assign duties, and document the plan in a central location.  
• Adult Daycare Programs: Adult daycare programs offer another option for seniors needing memory care and stimulation during the day. While it may sound strange, many people enjoy getting out of the house and socializing in a safe environment.
• In-Home Services: In-home services encompass a range of support, including housekeeping and grocery shopping assistance. This may also include companionship services, scheduled to prevent boredom and reduce the potential for wandering. These services, known as home care services, differ from home health services as they do not provide medical care.  
• Visiting Healthcare Providers: Some providers offer house calls for medical appointments, providing necessary medical care in the comfort of your home. Check if Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance plan covers these services.  

When More Care is Needed  

In cases where the required care level exceeds what is possible at home, exploring more extensive options such as home health care or memory care communities like BridgeWater becomes crucial. 

Home Healthcare

Home healthcare directly brings medical care and assistance to your loved one’s home. Professionals, including nurses, therapists, dietitians, and social workers, offer various medical and caregiving services. This can include medication management, bathing, therapy, assistance with daily activities such as dressing and grooming, exercise, range of motion, wound care, and monitoring for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. 

Home healthcare staff can also provide care for a few hours or an extended period, allowing you to manage other commitments with peace of mind.  

Memory Care Communities

Memory Care at BridgeWater is dedicated to developing, building, and operating innovative senior living communities. With three locations in Phoenix and a fourth in Tucson, they offer a comprehensive array of amenities, including housekeeping, restaurant-style meals, transportation, and a vibrant social environment. 

Our amenities include an onsite beauty salon/barber shop, all utilities (including cable), line service, chauffeured transportation, licensed nurses, an onsite wellness and therapy center, revolutionary health management systems, and a small pet-friendly environment. At BridgeWater, each resident is seen, heard, and valued, with a focus on safety, security, and comfort in their memory care community.  

Financing Memory Care  

Financing memory care can be a significant concern for families, especially when quality care is the top priority. Memory care at BridgeWater understands the importance of affordability and provides solutions to ensure residents enjoy worry-free living without sacrificing quality:

• Income-Qualified Opportunities: BridgeWater offers income-qualified opportunities for individuals with a monthly income of less than $3,095. This option aims to make quality memory care accessible to those with financial constraints.  
• Medicaid Though ALTCS: Explore whether the memory care community accepts Medicaid through Arizona’s Long-Term Care System (ALTCS). That can be a valuable resource for individuals who qualify.  
• Veterans Pension Benefits: Veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for Veterans Pension Benefits. Check if the memory community accepts these benefits to offset the cost of care (Memory Care at BridgeWater does accept veteran benefits)  

Selecting The appropriate memory care option for yourself or your loved one is a deeply personal and pivotal decision. Whether you opt for in-home or memory care like BridgeWater communities, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of your loved one with dementia.  

BridgeWater is committed to individualized care, affordability, and providing a vibrant and supportive community. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and taking the time to assess your or your loved one’s unique need will help you make an informed decision that enhances your quality of life and provides peace of mind for you and your family. 

If you are looking for memory care in Phoenix or Tucson, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a tour of our wonderful community! We are here to help answer any questions you may have; let us be here for you to help your family!