Addressing memory care issues can be a challenge, but there are options for handling the situation. If you have some questions about what those options may be, read on.

Three Potential Choices

There are three worthwhile ways to handle memory care. For individuals who have limited issues and are dealing with slow symptom progression, a rehabilitative approach that emphasizes adaptation may be good. This entails learning techniques that allow them to maintain independent lives with minimal intervention. However, this option is usually only wise in cases where progression is slow or non-existent. People who've suffered brain traumas, for example, may benefit from this approach.

Secondly, limited assisted care in a home environment may be an option. This is usually ideal when people are having progressive problems like early Alzheimer's dementia but their condition doesn't present major risks to their wellness or emotional wellbeing.

Finally, assist memory care may be necessary once someone is dealing with problems that pose risks to them. For example, individuals who have to take particular medications on a tight schedule may benefit from moving into a facility where a more structured environment is available. If you're looking for such a facility, it's important to distinguish from basic assisted living and locations that have special memory care units. These are usually stationed in separate wings or floors of a building to provide 24-hour supervision, medical monitoring, and assistance with daily tasks.

Is It Covered By Medicare?

Unfortunately, the answer here is a weak "maybe." Medicare generally is more likely to pay for assisted memory care than for other options on the list. Medicare rules typically don't cover skilled nursing care for more than 100 days. For this reason, a waiver backed by a doctor's recommendation may be necessary to cover a long-term stay. Disappointingly, Medicare coverage only covers a portion of a portion; they pay for part of the assisted living costs but none of the specialized care needs.

Veterans should consider turning to the Veterans' Administration for assistance paying for assisted memory care. The VA offers community residential care that can help individuals who can't live alone in a residential setting for medical or psychological reasons.

Established life insurance policies are also worth looking at. Some offer what is called accelerated living benefits or life assurance that may directly pay for some memory care expenses. If you purchased a policy well in advance, long-term care insurance is also an option.

If you're interested in learning more, contact local memory care services such as Orchard Park Senior Living.