Hawaii Memory Care Facilities

Presently, over 29,000 people with Alzheimer's reside in Hawaii according to Alzheimer's Association. With over 550 facilities designed specifically to treat and offer unique care to individuals with Alzheimer's and other memory issues such as dementia, the state offers hope to affected persons and their families.

The facilities empower residents to remain engaged and active while residing in a safe and supervised setting. Hawaii's memory care facilities also offer services to improve the lives of affected people, including grooming, bathing, and laundry.

The main goal of these facilities is to offer care by ensuring residents remain as active and as healthy as possible. If you're contemplating such facilities for a loved one, you'll find that memory care facilities in Hawaii are affordable. This guide offers insight into memory care in the state, highlighting various aspects, including the cost and the associated regulations.

Memory Care Costs

Surprisingly, memory care is affordable in Hawaii, with costs averaging at $160 daily. The most expensive memory care facilities charge about $8,000 monthly while the cheapest charge below $2,900 monthly. Although you can access affordable care for a loved one, your choices are somewhat limited since Hawaii is a group of tiny islands. Nevertheless, you'll find most of the facilities situated on the major islands of O'ahu and Maui.

Amenities

Hawaii’s memory care facilities offer specialized amenities to meet the unique needs of their Alzheimer's patients. They offer 24-hour care and a higher security level to protect residents who tend to wander. Since Alzheimer's patients need special care, the staff members and caregivers in these communities undergo extensive training to ensure appropriate and quality care to senior residents.

These communities serve healthy meals to residents and provide a special diet upon request. Other programs provided in these communities include mental games, medication assistance, and transportation to doctor appointments.

Security is of utmost importance in Hawaii's dementia care homes, which keep residents safe through color-coded sections, security pendants, and automatic doors. While these amenities are standard in most facilities, you'll need to research to identify the unique amenities and services offered by various providers before signing an agreement.

The type of facility you'll choose will depend largely on a patient's overall health and the needed care level. Keep in mind that facilities differ because patients are unique in their manifestation of Alzheimer's and some have additional medical issues that require consideration.

Secure Units

Patients with memory disorders, typically exhibit exit-seeking behaviors, which are a big threat to them. Therefore, numerous facilities provide secure units 24/7. Generally, the units are smaller, and access only comes from staff and authorized visitors. The security systems you can expect include:

Elevator Alarms

For those whose needs don't warrant a safe unit, alternative security measures might be necessary. Some facilities come equipped with systems meant to inform staff members if a patient is near an elevator or exit.

Personal Alarms

Facilities often place the devices on beds and wheelchairs of residents who can no longer comprehend their safety deficits. For instance, if a resident is a fall risk due to poor balance, the alarm will redirect a patient back into their seat while alerting personnel to assist.

Memory Care Regulations

In terms of staffing, licensed personnel must be available 7 days a week and should undertake orientation training and six hours of in-service annual training.

In Hawaii, residents have the right to understand their treatment and diagnosis. Residents also have a right to privacy. Treatment refusal is permissible, and you should inform a patient regarding the outcomes of the decision. Patients also have the privilege of appointing a representative to make their decisions if they lack the cognitive capacity to do so.

Regulations surrounding medical records dictate that the release can only occur with a patient's consent or a legal representative. Moreover, records must be available to authorized personnel to ensure the facility is running appropriately. 

Factors to Consider When Looking for a Memory Care Facility in Hawaii

You'll need to invest time and effort when selecting a facility for a loved one. You'll also have to research numerous facilities before you make a decision to ensure you find the ideal facility that will meet your loved one's needs. Some of the factors to consider include:

Expertise on Memory Disease

Some dementia care facilities have specialized units for memory care while others are entirely dedicated to caring for those with dementia or Alzheimer's. When researching a facility, you'll want to get an idea of how knowledgeable the personnel is regarding the unique care and needs of those with memory loss and associated conditions. It's equally important to establish whether the facility can handle the accompanying challenges.

Safety

When scouting for the appropriate facility, safety is of utmost importance. Therefore, the first aspect you'll need to focus on is the environment. The community should have a home-like feeling, comprising aspects such as comfortable seating.

Watch for safety aspects that will keep your loved one safe from the dangers that accompany dementia. Make sure the community has a pendant system or code-protected doors that inform staff when residents are without supervision.

You should also determine the precautions that are in place in case a resident can't recall how to use the system. The facility should be secure 24/7 with numerous back-up protections to prevent wandering, which could jeopardize residents' safety.

While security is vital in maintaining the safety of residents, they should have a degree of independence. Great facilities comprise safe access outdoors, permitting residents to enjoy the outdoors without the possibility of getting lost or endangering their lives.

Staff Qualifications

Memory care residents need special care, so ensure the staff at the prospective facility is qualified with special training to work with patients with memory disorders. You'll also need to establish the ratio of staff to residents. Six residents to one member of staff typically imply good care.

The Programs /Activities

When looking for a dementia care facility, choose one that provides a wide range of special programs that will keep your loved one engaged and entertained. The reason behind this is that patients with memory disorders require continuous stimulation. Therefore, regular engagement in therapeutic activities will enhance the life quality of residents with memory loss.

Moreover, they'll prevent further cognitive decline in patients. Since memory diseases progress differently across patients, each must have a schedule tailored to his or her unique needs and wants.

On the same note, caregivers also need support groups and programs, so the entire family can participate and obtain help if necessary.

Additional Assistance / Treatment

Individuals with memory disorders might experience other ailments related to aging. Consequently, you should establish whether the prospective facility could treat other conditions. If other medical concerns exist, check whether the facility can treat those ailments. You should also ensure that your loved one would be in a position to meet with doctors frequently. 

Knowledgeable Staffing

The staff of a memory care facility makes all the difference in the care your loved one will receive upon admission. You'll need to inquire about the training, personnel receive beyond state or federally required education.

Check if they undertake continuous education associated with memory disorders and attend related conferences and training to remain knowledgeable and updated on the latest practices. You'll also want to establish the facility's philosophy and watch for their values. This will reveal whether they place residents' needs at the center of their plan.

Don't forget to inquire about family participation in the program. A great program will integrate time for families and means of communicating in case family members reside far away.

Questions to Ask Hawaiian Memory Care Homes During a Tour

Asking the right questions will ensure you choose a facility that offers a supportive setting for a loved one's continued health. Some of the questions you should ask include:

What Approach Do You Take to Staff Training?

You need to understand the care model and kind of training the staff undertakes. This will help you understand the number of hours the staff undergo in training and whether the community simply meets the minimum regulatory prerequisites.

You want a dementia care community that adheres to a wider training scope. The facility should also value continuous training among the personnel. This question will also disclose the number of caregivers who are supposed to be on duty throughout the night and day.

Which Method Will You Use to Keep Me Updated?

The community's staff should inform you how they'll communicate regarding your loved one's wellbeing. For instance, you need to find out whether you have an option to receive communication through a phone call or a text message. Make sure you inquire about the facility's policies regarding treatment and how they'll notify you in case an emergency arises.

Do You Offer a Customized Care Plan?

A reputable facility will offer services customized to the residents' unique abilities and needs. To establish the care level your loved one needs, you'll have to provide information including the extent of mobility, any health conditions, and wandering tendencies.

You'll also need to understand the facility's philosophy regarding activities and programs. Keep in mind that the depth of activity programming can differ considerably depending on the customization.

Memory Care versus Assisted Living

These are the fastest-growing kinds of senior care and while an overlap exists, they aren't synonymous. These facilities aren't interchangeable. However, numerous assisted living communities in Hawaii provide memory care as part of their services. Therefore, you must understand the differences to choose a suitable facility for a loved one.

Assisted Living Provides Occasional Assistance

Some seniors might be physically active but still require help with daily living activities such as cooking meals, and sustaining personal hygiene, which could overwhelm a senior over time. This is where assisted living applies. Residents at such facilities obtain assistance in accomplishing daily tasks but are still comparatively independent.

Memory Care Centers for Seniors' Safety

While this type of care resembles assisted living, it's optimized to suit seniors with progressive mental disorders such as dementia and related mental issues. Patients at these facilities require special needs and treatment because of memory loss.

Therefore, staffing at a chosen facility should have dedicated training to help residents enjoy quality life despite cognitive impairments. You'll discover that these communities emphasize the layout and security to prevent residents from endangering their lives.

Choosing between Assisted Living and Memory Care

If you're contemplating between these two options, you might be wondering which suits your loved one best. Adults who are still comparatively independent but still require assistance with daily tasks need assisted living. This option offers residents with the necessary assistance to help them live life to the fullest while providing a calendar of activities.

On the other hand, those struggling with cognitive impairment will be safer in facilities designed purposely to address their needs.

When is your loved one ready for memory care in Hawaii?

Some family members worry that age-related memory changes are indications of dementia. Forgetting names or words occasionally or making financial errors is normal. However, you'll understand that things are more serious when memory loss affects daily life and your loved one can't accomplish familiar tasks. Some of the indications that it might be time for memory care include:

Neglected Personal Care

When you spot neglected personal hygiene such as wrinkled clothing, unkempt hair, and body odor, it's time to consider memory care for your loved one. The advantage of memory care facilities is that they incorporate personal care and help with daily activities that keep residents on track.

Isolation and Loneliness

It's easy for those with dementia to withdraw into isolation, which could heighten the possibility of depression. Memory care communities in Hawaii offer engaging activities to keep residents engaged while easing some of the anxiety and agitation that come with cognitive disorders.

Unexplained Physical Changes

Weight and posture changes along with mobility issues indicate that your loved one requires further assistance because your loved one isn't eating. Conversely, slow movements might reveal confusion or disorientation. A memory care facility will give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in a monitored environment and receiving the necessary care.

Bottom Line

Once a loved one obtains a diagnosis of a memory disorder, it can be hard to get over the emotions of having to look for a memory care facility in Hawaii. However, you'll be at peace knowing that your loved one will enjoy a dignified life in a secure environment.