Colorado Memory Care Facilities

Colorado has witnessed a rise in all forms of senior living including high quality dementia care homes over the last decade. This is not surprising given that the population of the state has been steadily increasing thanks to its wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, quality healthcare and overall high quality of living.
 

The high quality of life does however come at a cost, since Colorado’s memory care facilities rank 13th in the nation, in terms of being the most expensive. In the west, only the states of California (11th) and Washington (12th) are higher. Meanwhile, neighboring Arizona and Utah rank much lower, offering more affordability.

Colorado's Memory Care

According to the CDC statistics, Alzheimer's resulted in 1830 deaths 3 years ago, while Colorado Alzheimer's statistics reveal that Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in this state. On the same note, more than 76,000 are currently living with this condition and statistics show that the number is expected to increase to 92,000 in the next 5 years.

With over 72, 000 Colorado residents aged 65 and above living with Alzheimer's, the state has put various measures in place to help. This guide will cover various facets of Colorado's memory care, including the covered costs, regulations, and amenities.

There are numerous Alzheimer's and dementia facilities in Colorado, set up for dealing with the unique needs of patients with these conditions. Dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia is a complex issue because it involves complex brain functions, a lot of which are still a mystery to the global medical community at large.

Colorado's memory care facilities are equipped to handle the challenges associated with degenerative brain illnesses in the hope of preventing progression. Residents with dementia may end up forgetting their own identity or that of their immediate family members. In such cases, medical personnel in these facilities help residents tackle the unique challenges and stave off symptom exacerbation. 

Memory care in Colorado provides the necessary personal care and support services to seniors experiencing restrictions due to memory loss. Even though Alzheimer's is a progressive condition, numerous seniors discover that they can still manage their own needs during the initial phases with the support of in-home or adult daycare services.

However, increased memory loss affects their capacity to handle daily tasks safely, making it necessary to transition into a living facility. Some of these facilities provide memory care besides their normal personal care services, often dividing residents into separate wings for safety.

Some facilities however, are specifically for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's. In the last phases of dementia, it might be necessary to consider a nursing home that offers round-the-clock health care as required.

Memory Care versus Assisted Living

Despite what most people think, memory care facilities aren't synonymous with assisted living. Actually, numerous differences set them apart. Assisted living facilities provide daily assistance with physical and medical needs for those who're advanced in age and continually need more assistance.

Colorado memory care facilities cater specifically to individuals with degenerative brain conditions while addressing their special challenges. Besides the ordinary restriction of functions that accompany aging, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia require a specialized kind of care.

Sufferers might find themselves incapable of distinguishing one room from another or be incapable of remembering to take medication at the appropriate time, despite reminders. Colorado's assisted living facilities strive to help residents in multiple ways like designing navigable living spaces where they can move through without feeling lost, a superior level of care and treatment and assistance with day to day tasks. The care level is also different because each patient needs to be given considerable time; so, personnel care is accessible 24/7.

Memory Care Cost in Colorado

Memory care facilities in Colorado may be in the upper third when it comes to cost, yet there are affordable Alzheimer’s care facilities in select parts of the state.
 

The median average for Colorado’s memory care communities is $170 per day, or a little over $5,000 per month. The national average is $160 per day, setting Colorado a little above the national standard. Affordable dementia care facilities exist in more rural settings, and in the suburbs of Denver and Colorado Springs. Here, it is possible to find rooms reserved for dementia care between $100 and $140 per day. Boulder is the costliest area for memory care, with costs amounting to $6,222 monthly and $74,664 yearly.

Expensive, luxurious rooms at the highest ranked Colorado Alzheimer’s homes can exceed $250 per day, with some even reaching $280. For these kinds of luxurious units, it is possible to spend $8,000 or more per month.

All in all, the top 10 percent of the most expensive memory care facilities in the state average $8,300 per month, and 10 percent of the cheapest dementia care homes average just over $3,000 per month.

That said, the average memory care cost in Colorado is $5,384 per month, which translates into $177 daily and $64,608 yearly. Make sure you research the costs of any facility and also request for a complete list of charges, including any possible add-ons.

Colorado's Regulations & Laws

A pre-admission evaluation is necessary for all residents in memory care facilities and updating must occur annually.  This is necessary because these facilities cannot admit a patient unless they can take care of their own needs. A standard evaluation form doesn't exist; however, the screening should establish the following: the capacity to self-care; health, physical, and social needs; as well as preferences (religious, cultural, etc.).

Personnel & Training

Colorado does not have a required staff-to-resident ratio, except there should be adequate staffing to meet the needs of all on-site residents. The facility should have at least one person with first aid and CPR certification working at all times. Every volunteer or employee should undergo orientation before starting work.

The orientation should include emergency response, infection control, residents' rights, and reporting requirements. Administrators must undergo a background check and be at least 21 years of age with one year of experience overseeing the administration of personal care services. 45 hours of care-related training is necessary for administrators as well as 40 hours of administrator training.

Facilities

A one-person bedroom or living unit should be at least 100 sq. ft, not including closet and bathroom areas while a two-person unit should be at least 120 sq. ft. The maximum number of people a room can accommodate is two. A bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower should cater to six residents while fire detection and alarm systems, including smoke alarms and sprinklers should be up to building codes.

Amenities at Colorado's Memory Care Facilities

If you're searching for a facility for a loved one, you might have a hard time establishing the right one for his or her needs. Colorado Alzheimer’s care facilities have a strong reputation within the healthcare industry. Due to the rapid growth of the state, especially along the front range, it has become home to some of the best doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.

Numerous facilities have amenities such as 24/7 medical supervision, full-service laundry, and emergency patient systems. In the state, most communities encourage social interaction among residents for brain stimulation.

Among the standard amenities, Colorado dementia care homes include daily food preparation and serving, daily activities specifically designed for dementia care, socialization and visitation opportunities, indoor and outdoor private seating areas and extra luxuries like a beauty salon or barber shop.

Some of the best memory care communities in Colorado are dedicated to helping restore self-esteem and dignity in residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as the diseases are known to impair a patient’s self-identity.
Group activities including specially organized events and outdoor excursions allow residents to enjoy social interaction and leave the premises under supervision. Such added perks are necessary to prevent a decline in their mental and physical health while also letting them enjoy a better quality of life despite their condition.

When is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care?

Deciding to shift a loved one into a memory care facility isn't easy. Watching a loved one showing signs of memory loss is heartbreaking to say the least. As devastating as it might be, these facilities serve to improve the life quality of those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. Below are some indicators that will alert you that your loved one is ready for memory care.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes are among the first symptoms that people with the condition exhibit. This would include irritation or anxiety arising from their incapability to accomplish daily routine tasks that include eating or maintaining hygiene. Some even become anti-social and withdrawn.

Bewilderment and Incomprehension

A gradual decline in memory would cause an individual to forget important tasks like purchasing groceries, paying the bills to even basic tasks like changing clothes, turning off the stove, or even forgetting how to drive. This in turn can put them at risk of accidents. When you feel that a loved one is continuously putting themselves and other family member at risk, it is time to consider moving them to a memory care facility within the state of Colorado.

Incontinence

If your loved one keeps forgetting to go to the bathroom, it could become a major problem for the caregiver, and you will be better off placing your loved one in a facility with professionals that are trained to handle the issue.

Deteriorating Physical Health

Weight loss could imply your loved one isn't eating enough. Weight gain, on the other hand, could be the result of eating multiple times in a day since they’ve forgotten that they've eaten already. They might miss their medication regularly or forget that they took it, possibly causing a double dose.

Your Inability to Cope as a Caregiver

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia and find yourself getting discouraged, stressed and depressed, chances are that you’re heading for a burnout yourself. When you start feeling as though both of you require more help than you can provide, trust your instincts and seek help.

Minimal to non-existent social life

Dementia can cause isolation and fearfulness, which implies that social life dwindles considerably for anyone with the condition. By shifting to a Colorado memory care facility, people with dementia will obtain the necessary support to live safely. They'll also have the chance to live a life full of meaningful engagement. This is possible through activities and social events designed for body and mind stimulation.

These signs show up subtly but gradually increase over time. Pay attention and consult a physician immediately.

Questions to Ask Memory Care Communities During A Tour

Community Maintenance and Features

While it's not a good sign, if you notice dirty areas and facilities that require serious maintenance, you must ensure things don't appear too stiff and industrialized either. Bear in mind that some wear and tear is ordinary.

Nevertheless, things shouldn't appear neglected. Ask whether the community is easily navigable and establish whether markers exist to prevent disorientation for residents. You'll want to inquire how often they clean and maintain the premises, to understand whether your loved one will be well cared for.

Therapy and Activities

Patients with memory issues need to be engaged in physical and mental activities to break the monotony and keep them energetic and motivated. Ensure you inquire about and evaluate available therapy strategies and activities to make sure they suit your loved one.

Communication Capabilities

You must determine how the community communicates regularly with family members so they can stay abreast of their loved ones' health and existing needs.

Determining whether to shift your loved one into a memory care community is hard. However, the process is about making life enjoyable for your loved one. Colorado’s memory care homes are not just a place to live but also an active community that encourages participation in a number of group activities.

Dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia is troubling enough, but specialized programs and the trained professionals in memory care facilities are skilled to handle such ailments. While the process can be strenuous, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is getting the best care possible.