Washington State

image Source: Washington Memory Care Communities vs. Home Care for Dementia When an elderly loved one begins to exhibit signs of dementia, it can be a tricky and confusing time for the whole family. You will have to make the essential decision of deciding what kind of care is best for your loved one. Should they stay in their own home with home care or move into a memory care community? Here are some differences between Washington memory care communities and home care to help you make this critical decision. Memory care communities are purpose-built facilities that provide comprehensive care for seniors with dementia. These communities have staff who are specially trained in dementia care, and they offer different services and amenities designed to meet the needs of those with memory problems. Some of the key benefits of memory care communities include: Around-the-clock supervision and care from trained professionals A safe and secure environment designed specifically for those with dementia A wide range of activities and social opportunities The main downside of memory care communities is the cost. These facilities can be pretty expensive, and you will need to ensure that you can afford the monthly fees. Home care is another option for seniors with dementia. In this case, a caregiver comes to the senior’s home and provides the care and assistance they need. Advantages of home care include: Familiar surroundings can be comforting for seniors with dementia Home care is usually less expensive than memory care communities Seniors have more control over their schedule and activities Memory Care in Washington Defined: According to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory care is a specialized type of long-term skilled nursing care that provides 24-hour supervision and assistance for people with dementia. Washington memory care facilities are sometimes referred to as Alzheimer’s care communities, dementia care homes, or cognitive support residences. What separates memory care from traditional nursing homes is residents’ level of care and supervision. While all memory care facilities offer some form of 24-hour supervision, not all have the same services and amenities. Some memory care facilities in Washington offer: A secure environment with locked doors and monitored exits to prevent wandering A structured routine with activities and social opportunities designed to Stimulate cognitive function Nutritious meals and snacks that are easy to eat and digest Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting Medication management Housekeeping and laundry services Access to transportation How Much Does Memory Care Cost in Washington? The cost of memory care in Washington can vary depending on the location, type of facility, and level of care required. Memory care facilities that offer more services and amenities, such as those listed above, will typically have higher monthly fees than those that offer a more fundamental level of care. According to the latest Genworth Financial  Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of memory care in Washington is $5,500. This is higher than the national average of $4,752 and the second-highest in the country, behind only Alaska. Compared to other types of long-term care, memory care is on the more expensive end. For example, the average monthly cost of a private room in a Washington nursing home is $7,695, while the average monthly price of an assisted living facility is $4,500. Regulation of Washington Memory Care Facilities: The Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is responsible for regulating memory care facilities in the state of Washington. The DSHS must license all memory care facilities, and they are subject to periodic inspections to ensure they comply with state regulations. Some of the regulations that memory care facilities in Washington must follow include: All staff members must be background checked and have completed a training program on dementia care Facilities must have a minimum of one caregiver for every five residents Facilities must provide 24-hour supervision and assistance Residents must be allowed to participate in activities that stimulate cognitive function Facilities must provide nutritious meals and snacks Facilities must have a written plan for managing medications Housekeeping and laundry services must be available to residents When selecting a memory care facility for a loved one, it’s important to tour the facility and meet with staff members to understand better the level of care and supervision they provide. Overview of Washington Memory Care Facilities: Washington is home to many memory care facilities that offer various services and amenities designed to meet the needs of people with dementia. Some of the memory care facilities in Washington include: The Gardens Memory Care Community in Seattle, WA: The Gardens Memory Care Community is a state-licensed memory care facility that offers 24-hour supervision, a secure environment, nutritious meals and snacks, social and recreational activities, and medication management. The Forum at Olympia in Olympia, WA: The Forum at Olympia is a state-licensed memory care facility that offers 24-hour supervision, a secure environment, social and recreational activities, transportation services, and housekeeping and laundry services. The Cascades in Spokane, WA: The Cascades is a state-licensed memory care facility that offers 24-hour supervision, a secure environment, social and recreational activities, transportation services, and medication management. Silverado Bellevue in Bellevue, WA: Silverado Bellevue is a state-licensed memory care facility that offers 24-hour supervision, a secure environment, social and recreational activities, nutritious meals and snacks, transportation services, and housekeeping and laundry services. Tips to give dementia care at home? If you’re considering giving dementia care at home, you can do a few things to prepare. Some tips for giving dementia care at home include: Learn as much as you can about dementia and the different stages of the disease Make sure your home is safe for the person with dementia by removing any potential hazards Create a routine for the person with dementia and try to stick to it as much as possible Encourage the person with dementia to socialize and participate in activities that stimulate cognitive function Make sure the person with dementia is getting nutritious meals and snacks Help the person with dementia stay active and get exercise if possible.