Assisted Living Facilities (Memory Centers)

Other options to consider as well include:
As the name implies, assisted living facilities (AL) are designed to assist individuals who may need help with their day to day tasks, but do not need the extensive nursing care provided by skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes. Most ALs are set up a small, efficiency apartments and are staffed with nursing assistants and aides who are able to help in bathing, dressing and grooming. 

In some state’s medication administration is also a benefit for residents in an assisted living. Most facilities also offer dining programs and structured socialization opportunities. Assisted livings may also be a good choice for couples who want to remain together but simply cannot care for each other because of health limitations.
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For those with mild to moderate dementia, assisted living facilities are a great choice for individuals with memory impairment without fully relinquishing independence. When choosing and assisted living facility for someone with dementia, be sure to identify some important factors:
  • Secure Areas: Some assisted living facilities are designed with the mild dementia patient in mind. Entire wings or even buildings may be designated for individuals suffering from memory impairment. They often provide more supervision and security as does the rest of the facility. These communities are staffed with caregivers who are accustomed to the impulsivity and poor safety awareness exhibited by many who suffer. The staff is trained in how to respectfully and humanely redirect the resident back to the appropriate activity or location.
  • Medication Assistance: Most assisted living facilities can aid in the administration of medication. This may be vital for a resident who is dealing with memory impairments. Knowing when to take what little white pill can be difficult for those without cognitive decline, let alone for those who do. Licensed nurses are qualified to distribute doctor-prescribed medications and can ensure compliance. This is also helpful when communicating with primary care physicians since staff can alert to an increase in behaviors or a decrease in functional abilities and know it is not a result of missed medications.
  • Rehabilitation Programs: Many memory centers will also offer programs designed to slow the progression of this degenerative disease or alleviate symptoms associated with dementia like agitation and aggression. Sensory stimulation, cognitive therapies, physical and occupational therapies are all included in these types of programs. There has been a lot of positive research regarding alternative therapies such as music, art therapies which tend to help reduce agitation, although no long term benefits have been identified. Most therapies and programs are performed in group settings which allows for greater supervision of the residents as well as the socialization that is needed.
With the disease becoming more prevalent, many senior living settings have dedicated resources to caring for individuals with poor cognition. In addition to Assisted Living Facilities there are Adult Day Programs. There are many options to provide safe, secure and nurturing environments for adults with memory impairments.

If you are helping to care for someone with memory deficits this guide is intended to help inform you of the options that may be available for someone with dementia.

A Typical Day at a Memory Care Assisted Living Facility may look something like this:

Time Activities

7:00-9:00am Breakfast Morning Routines (Dressing, housekeeping, etc.)
9am-11am Group Activities

Exercises
Current events

11am-1pm Lunch Quiet time/Rest
1pm-4pm Group Activities

Mind Stimulation Games
Music
Cooking/Poetry/Crafts
Snack
Discussion

4pm-6pm Dinner Even Activities
6pm-7pm Group Activities

Bingo
Videos and Discussion

7pm-8pm Personal Time Even routines Bed
*Typical schedule at Arden Courts

Cost: Most assisted living facilities are paid for with private funds. The average cost of assisted living varies from state to state and depends upon the service selected by the resident. Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living facilities and rarely does Medicaid. There may be some state programs or even federal programs, like the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefits that can help cover the cost.

Pros and Cons of Assisted Living Facilities

  • Provide assistance with basic health care needs and medication administration.
  • Some facilities may not have licensed nurses available 24/7.
  • Provide a greater sense of independence and privacy, but in some locations private rooms may be hard to come by.
  • Provide assistance with activities of daily living but the cost is usually substantial and most assisted living facilities require private funds to pay for room and board.
When deciding on the best course of action entering into the setting armed with as much information as possible will help in making choices. This very well may be the hardest decision you will ever make and touring the facilities will help make an informed decision. When touring any facility or program, here are some questions to consider:
  • What security measures are in place to ensure safety?
  • What happens if my loved one declines in health, either physically or cognitively?
  • What will happen when the private funds are depleted? Are there alternative programs to help pay for room and board?
  • What types of activities will my loved one be able to participate in?
  • Is there any type of rehabilitation program available to help with the decline of activities of daily living?
  • What are the visiting hours?
  • When touring the facility be sure that you take note of several key factors that will help the facility become home:
The transition from home to either an assisted living facility or a skilled nursing facility is difficult. Do not be surprised if your loved one is agitated, confused and persistent about returning home. This is common and will most likely subside as they become acclimated to their surroundings.

Speak with the nurse or administrator about visitation guidelines or suggestions during those first few days. You may find that some facilities will ask that you not visit until the resident has had the opportunity to adjust to his/her new surroundings.

Most facilities will not only focus on the well-being of the resident, but also that of the family. Be sure to ask if there is a support group that is hosted at the facility or one which they can refer you to. These groups will help ease the guilt and hopelessness that may accompany the transition. If you have questions about the resources available in your area, contact the Alzheimer’s Association.

Some of this information was provided by Assisted Living Today, an online resource dedicated to providing valuable information about various aspects of elderly living and elderly care.