{"id":355746,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/elder\/elder-care-law\/alzheimer-s-facilities-how-to-find-proper-residential-care-for.html"},"modified":"2024-01-19T14:47:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T19:47:21","slug":"alzheimer-s-facilities-how-to-find-proper-residential-care-for","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-care-law\/alzheimer-s-facilities-how-to-find-proper-residential-care-for.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Find Residential Care for Alzheimer’s Patients"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Find Residential Care for Alzheimer's Patients<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia will eventually need 24-hour daily care. Finding the right long-term care facility and caregivers is essential.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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It’s important to note that while dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability affecting daily life, Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia. The difference between the two is the cause and progression of symptoms. Family members of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have many difficult facts to accept, including the need for specialized care in a long-term care facility.<\/p>\r\n

Alzheimer’s Disease Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, and those afflicted are eventually unable to live independently<\/a>. Alzheimer’s patients lose their memory and cognitive ability at differing rates. The heartbreaking and inevitable outcome is that they lose the ability to recognize people they know or perform basic daily tasks.<\/p>\r\n

But, as society progresses, so does the level of care for Alzheimer’s patients. While science tries to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, the long-term care community becomes better at effectively caring for Alzheimer’s patients<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Dementia care and general memory care are evolving similarly to give the best health care possible.<\/p>\r\n

Alzheimer’s Facility Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Some facilities specialize in the care of Alzheimer’s patients. You can also find mixed-care facilities that offer assisted living<\/a> arrangements and daily care for people with and without Alzheimer’s. Family members can also arrange respite care if they need a few hours or days of home health care.<\/p>\r\n

Some older adults in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease can start with in-home care. They can have a gentle progression to special care living communities. In time, they will likely need to transition to 24-hour memory care facilities.<\/p>\r\n

Continuing Care Retirement Communities<\/a> (CCRC) are transitional care settings with different care levels while your loved one stays within one community.<\/p>\r\n

Memory care units can still promote independent living while safe for older adults and staff members. Eventually, memory loss may lead to structured 24-hour care needs or end-of-life care.<\/p>\r\n

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Alzheimer’s Facilities<\/h2>\r\n

In choosing the right nursing home<\/a> or assisted living facility for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, there are many factors to consider.<\/p>\r\n

Consider the staff, the facility, the programs within the facility, and the type of medical treatment patients get. You should also consider the long-term care costs. Below, you will find details on evaluating each of these aspects.<\/p>\r\n

Evaluate Alzheimer’s Facility Staff and Care Providers<\/h2>\r\n

One of the biggest concerns is the level of care the staff offers its patients. First, ensure that the facility has certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who provide care.<\/p>\r\n

CNAs will have the most direct interaction with your loved one and have the ability to make their day comfortable or not. Ensure the people caring for your loved one are skilled nursing professionals and treat their patients with care and respect.<\/p>\r\n

When visiting Alzheimer’s facilities, be on the lookout for the following:<\/p>\r\n