A parent’s Alzheimer’s disease can be a difficult health condition for adult children to safely manage at home. They often struggle with managing challenging behaviors such as agitation, aggression and wandering.
Because seniors with this disease can go for long periods of time without sleeping, it isn’t uncommon for family caregivers to become physically and emotionally exhausted. This is why a quality memory care program can be a solution.
Understand What Memory Care Is
Memory care is a specialized type of dementia care. These programs can be located in an assisted living community or a nursing home. Some residential care homes in Texas also work with people who live with Alzheimer’s disease.
The advantages a memory care program offers to adults with some form of dementia include:
- Dedicated Dementia Caregivers: Caregivers are the key to a successful memory care program. They undergo specialized training to help them learn techniques for supporting the independence of a person living with Alzheimer’s while still keeping them safe. Caregivers also learn how to communicate with Alzheimer’s residents, which is especially important since people with this disease often lose their verbal skills.
- Peaceful and Secure Environment: The physical plant of a memory care program is designed to be both peaceful and safe. Doors and windows are secured and an alarm system is in place to alert staff if a resident attempts to wander. Other visual cues such as color-coded hallways and memory boxes outside apartment doors help residents with memory loss navigate their way. Noise is kept down to help create a peaceful setting that minimizes the risk for agitation.
- Dedicated Dining Program: Adults with dementia face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. They might struggle to use traditional silverware or have vision problems that make it difficult to distinguish the food on their plate. Others just need a helping hand eating. The dining programs in memory care work with whatever challenges each resident faces to help them maintain good nutrition.
- Life Enrichment to Promote Success: Allowing a person with Alzheimer’s to feel as if they live productive lives is important. Helping them structure their days with life enrichment activities is one of the best ways to do so. From art therapy and music therapy to physical exercise, memory care programs allow people with dementia to live their best lives.
There are almost 30 memory care communities to choose from in Dallas. Another 30 are located within an easy drive of the city.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost in Dallas?
The average monthly cost for memory care in Dallas, Texas is just under $4,800 per month. But it’s important to note that communities all price their programs differently. Some include all services and support while others operate on more of an a la carte pricing structure. So be sure you take that in to consideration when comparing communities.
Other Issues to Consider When Choosing a Memory Care Program
Other factors that families may want to consider when selecting a memory care program include:
- Easy Access to Visit: In addition to the Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport, the city operates the Dallas Area Regional Transit system (DART). This public transportation service makes it easier for adult children and spouses to visit. Dallas also has four major highways—Interstates 20, 30, 35E, and 45.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities Nearby: Families who are considering a memory care program in Dallas will have peace of mind knowing the area has almost 60 hospitals and medical facilities. Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital and Methodist Dallas Medical Center are two of note.
Let Us Help You Find a Memory Care Program
The Senior Living Specialists is the area’s most experienced team of local senior care advisors. We know and understand the communities well. Contact us today to learn more!
Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. We are compensated by a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home.
