STORY COTTAGE OF WEST CLAY

Have you been considering memory care in Carmel, Indiana? You’re not alone.

Almost 15% of Carmel’s population is over 65 years old, which means they’re at a higher risk for developing complications related to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and similar age-related memory diseases. One of the best ways to ensure this unfortunate reality doesn’t impact you or your loved one’s quality of life is to consider memory care. 

But what is memory care? How does it differ from dementia care? And how much will memory care in Carmel, Indiana cost?

Read on for the answers to all of these questions and more!

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care that aims to provide mental, physical, and social support for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia, amnesia, and similar conditions that impact short and long-term memory.

Memory care is typically administered in a long-term care facility specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals grappling with memory loss or degradation. 

The best memory care homes go beyond solely providing medical care and offer comprehensive quality-of-life improvements by providing safe and secure environments, engaging social opportunities, and access to empathetic, caring, and compassionate staff trained to support the needs of those with memory loss. 

Many memory care homes also offer services that include:

• Physical therapy
• Medication management
• 24-hour staff supervision
• Assistance with personal grooming
• Housekeeping and laundry services 
• Meal planning, prepping, and service 

What Is the Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?

While memory care and dementia care share many of the same goals, services, and approaches, understanding their differences is essential for picking the ideal care provider for yourself or your loved one. 

Memory care is best suited for individuals that have retained some degree of independent function, despite their struggles with memory loss. While most memory care patients still require daily support and supervision to lead a safe, fulfilling, and engaging life, they typically do not require intensive, comprehensive care.

Dementia care, however, is ideal for individuals suffering from advanced memory loss. If your loved one’s memory degradation has severely limited their ability to participate in basic day-to-day tasks, functions, and responsibilities safely, a dementia care facility would be better equipped to provide the support and care they need.  

What Does Dementia Care Include?

Dementia care typically includes more intensive and specialized forms of medical care and daily support compared to memory care facilities. Common services offered by dementia care homes include:

1. 24-Hour Supervision and Security: Given the potential for wandering and disorientation in individuals with dementia, round-the-clock supervision is critical for their safety.
2. Personal Care: This typically includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and bathroom needs.
3. Medication Management: Trained staff ensures that the correct doses of medication are taken at the right times to manage health conditions.
4. Nutrition and Meal Assistance: Dementia care facilities provide nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs. Assistance with eating may also be provided if necessary.
5. Housekeeping and Laundry Services: These services ensure a clean and healthy living environment for the residents.
6. Exercise and Physical Therapy: Facilities often offer exercise programs or physical therapy as needed to support overall health, mobility, and quality of life
7. Social Activities and Recreation: Social engagement and recreational activities can improve mood and cognitive function. 
8. Cognitive Therapies and Activities: Cognitive therapies slow cognitive decline and maintain mental engagement. 
9. Healthcare Services: On-site healthcare services like routine check-ups, physical examinations, mental health support, and coordination with external medical specialists as needed.
10. Family Support and Education: Dementia care facilities often provide resources and counseling for families to understand and cope with the challenges of dementia. 

Is Memory Care the Same as Alzheimer’s?

No, memory care is not necessarily the same as Alzheimer’s care. 

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may succeed in memory care facilities, while others (whose Alzheimer’s has led to more significant symptoms and challenges) would be better served by a dementia care facility. 

If you’re unsure if you or your loved one would find more success and support in a memory care home vs. a dementia care home, contact your local memory care providers. 

Most memory care homes will be more than happy to discuss your or your loved one’s condition, evaluate the level of care needed, and recommend the ideal care facility. 

Is Memory Care Covered by Medicare?

Unfortunately, memory care is not directly covered by Medicare.

However, certain states have waivers or special programs that, if qualified, can cover some or all of the costs of residential medical care. To learn more about your Medicare options, contact your local memory care providers for more information. 

How Long Do Most People Live in Memory Care?

The length of time people live in memory care varies widely depending on several factors. 

While the average stay in memory care homes falls between 1-5 years, an individual’s medical history, memory loss progression, overall health, and the quality of care they receive can significantly impact the length of their stay.

What Is the Average Cost of Memory Care in Carmel?

Memory care in Carmel, IN costs $5,598 per month on average. The cost of memory care in Carmel is slightly higher than the statewide average of $5,354, but still beats the national average of $5,625 by a small margin. 

How Story Cottage Can Help

Story Cottages blend innovation and compassion to provide industry-leading solutions for individuals struggling with memory loss.

Our comfortable and private memory care homes offer unique living spaces, tight-knit communities, and access to an empathetic team of highly-trained nurses, caregivers, and house managers dedicated to fostering a nurturing, engaging, and fulfilling environment for our residents.

Visit our website to explore our Story Cottage Carmel and Story Cottage West Clay locations, learn more about Story Cottage living, and read Story Cottage reviews from our patients and their friends and family.

Discover the difference that Story Cottages can make in the life of your loved one. Reach out to us for more information today!