Caring for a loved one takes on many different forms.
It can mean being there for them during a difficult period. It can mean telling them the truth when they’d rather hear a lie. It can be providing them resources to ensure they’re getting the help they need to help themselves. When you start looking up Alzheimers care facilities, you’ve already realized you have to do all of the above and more. It’s not easy admitting when someone you care for is in need of specialized care and relocation, but coming to terms with this now sets them up for a higher quality of life in the future.
The memory care facility is both a medical resource and thriving community designed explicitly for those living with dementia.
How Many Live With Dementia Today?
The onset of dementia is a frightening occurrence for both the individual in question and their closest family. It’s estimated over five million people in the United States are living with Alzheimers, though even more have different forms of dementia that require the aid of assisted living apartments. By the time 2040 arrives it’s estimated 20% of the American population will be over the age of 65. Alzheiemers care facilities are becoming more widespread as a result.
What Is The Average Age Of Retirement?
Retirement looks a little different for everybody. Some retire earlier due to health concerns, others later thanks to a large support group. The average age of retirement in the United States is 63 and the majority of people living with Alzheimers are over the age of 65. A recent study estimated 200,000 people under the age of 65 having what’s known as ‘early onset dementia’. A recent study determined nearly 70% of Americans turning 65 will need some form of long-term care at some point. Far less than 70%, however, believe they will.
What Is Dementia?
When you realize your loved one is afflicted with the debilitating condition known as dementia, your first instinct is to get them help as soon as possible. Alzheimers disease accounts for over 80% of all dementia diagnoses and is the only disease in the top 10 most common illnesses that cannot be prevented, slowed or cured. It is, however, possible to live a happy and comfortable life with the aid of Alzheimers care facilities. Memory care facilities are regulated in over 20 out of 50 states.
How Do Alzheimers Care Facilities Work?
Taking care of a loved one with dementia is a demanding full-time job. Alzheimers care facilities are explicitly designed to work around the disease and provide them the medical, social and emotional resources they need to live their best life. Also known as dementia treatment facility living or memory care centers, Alzheimers care facilities provide 24-hour supervised care for residents. This includes assisting with daily tasks such as bathing, eating and dressing, as well as assisting with medication, travel ventures and day-to-day activities.
Does My Loved One Need To Live At An Assisted Living Facility?
It’s not easy to admit when someone you care about will need help from an outside resource. Coming to terms with the function of a memory care facility is the first step on a journey of change, growth and community. In fact, this may be the most difficult step of all. A recent survey found over 55% of respondents reporting their greatest fear for long-term care was becoming a burden on family and friends. Alzheimers care facilities aren’t cloistered and isolated abodes away from society, but thriving communities with steady access to medical and social resources.
Caring for a loved one means providing them everything you possibly can. Consider visiting an Alzheimers care facility this year and ask how they can help you achieve this.
