Oklahoma Memory Care Facilities

“The Sooner State” is a great place for memory care facilities. Oklahoma dementia care homes provide a quality place for a loved one suffering from the unfortunate diseases of Alzheimer’s or any other forms of dementia. Skilled caregivers are there to assist and help a loved one with specialized treatment since these kinds of cognitive diseases can require around the clock monitoring.

Oklahoma dementia care facilities are priced at the national median for memory care. Comparable to other parts of the Midwest, the cost of living for a nice, clean room is not too expensive.

Detailed Cost of Memory Care in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Alzheimer’s care homes and dementia care facilities average about $4,800 per month. For a projected yearly cost, a family can expect to pay $57,600, give or take, based on the actual facility. Some of the cheapest memory care facilities in Oklahoma only cost a little under $3,200 per month while the most expensive can reach prices of $7,300 per month or more.

Below is a table of estimated monthly costs for memory care in the 20 largest cities in Oklahoma:

Memory care costs in Oklahoma generally range between $4,200 and $5,200 per month, with higher costs observed in urban centers like Oklahoma City and Edmond. Smaller cities such as Duncan and Ardmore tend to have lower costs. These variations reflect factors such as facility amenities, staffing, and location.

One important aspect to note is that the gap between the most expensive and most affordable dementia care homes is not too wide. It means that regardless of whether you are seeking Alzheimer’s care in a bigger city or more rural community, prices shouldn’t fluctuate too drastically.

The largest variety of memory care communities is located in Oklahoma City. The city currently has over 630,000 residents and also features a good selection of independent living communities, assisted living centers, nursing homes and other care facilities.

Tulsa is also not far behind Oklahoma City, as the metropolitan area has over 400,000 people. Norman and Broken Arrow also rank high, as each community has over 100,000 residents and plenty of high-quality dementia care options. If a smaller town is more your style, there are several rural dementia care facilities in places like Enid, Stillwater, Moore and Midwest City.

Medicaid and Medicare Coverage of Memory Care in Oklahoma

Memory care services in Oklahoma cater to individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. These specialized facilities provide a secure environment and focus on therapies, activities, and medical care designed to enhance quality of life. While the cost of memory care can be significant, Medicaid and Medicare offer varying levels of financial support. Here’s a breakdown of how these programs can help in Oklahoma:

Medicaid Coverage for Memory Care in Oklahoma

Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, provides significant financial assistance for low-income individuals needing long-term care, including memory care. In Oklahoma, the Medicaid program is called SoonerCare. While Medicaid does not directly cover room and board costs in memory care facilities, it does cover services essential to care. These include:

1. Personal Care Services: Medicaid helps pay for assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility for individuals in memory care settings.

2. Nursing and Medical Services: Skilled nursing care, medication management, and other necessary medical services in memory care facilities are covered under Medicaid.

3. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Oklahoma’s HCBS waivers, such as the ADvantage Waiver, allow individuals who meet eligibility criteria to receive memory care services either in their homes or community-based settings. For those requiring institutional care, the program may also provide financial assistance.

To qualify for Medicaid in Oklahoma, applicants must meet both income and asset requirements. Single applicants typically must have an income below $3,000 per month and countable assets below $2,000 (check this year's regulations for exact numbers). Rules vary for married couples and those applying jointly. Oklahoma also allows for spousal impoverishment protections, ensuring the non-applicant spouse retains enough resources.

Medicare Coverage for Memory Care in Oklahoma

Medicare, a federal health insurance program, primarily benefits individuals aged 65 and older or those with specific disabilities. However, Medicare coverage for memory care is limited. Here’s what it typically includes:

1. Short-Term Care: Medicare may cover short-term stays in skilled nursing facilities for individuals recovering from hospitalization, but it does not cover long-term residency in memory care facilities.

2. Medical Services: It covers medical services such as doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and some therapies related to memory care conditions. This can include visits to neurologists or psychiatrists who specialize in dementia.

3. Medications: Medicare Part D helps with prescription drug costs, including those commonly used to manage dementia symptoms.

4. In-Home Care Services: For those not yet in a memory care facility, Medicare may cover certain in-home health services like physical or occupational therapy, provided specific criteria are met.

While Medicare does not directly pay for long-term memory care, it can help cover associated medical expenses.

Combining Medicaid and Medicare

Many Oklahomans in memory care rely on both Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare handles primary healthcare costs, while Medicaid fills the gap by covering long-term care services. Those eligible for both programs are often referred to as "dual eligibles." For these individuals, Medicaid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs associated with memory care services.

How to Apply for Medicaid and Medicare Support

• Medicaid: To apply for SoonerCare, visit Oklahoma’s Medicaid website or contact your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. The application process requires documentation of income, assets, and medical needs.

• Medicare: Enrollment in Medicare typically happens automatically when individuals turn 65, but additional coverage options, such as Part D or Medicare Advantage plans, may require active selection.

Additional Assistance Programs in Oklahoma

For those not fully covered by Medicaid or Medicare, Oklahoma offers other support options:

• State Assistance Programs: These programs may provide financial help or referrals for individuals needing memory care.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Some non-profits offer grants or subsidies to help pay for memory care services.

Memory Care vs. Assisted Living in Oklahoma

All assisted living communities in Oklahoma are licensed and regulated by the Department of Health. Their primary responsibility is to assist the older adults by providing them room and board, helping them with the seniors' care, and helping with daily living activities.

The majority of assisted living centers in the state also have select care units specific to residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia forms. These special care facilities are called 'memory care.' These units, or perhaps a floor or wing of the main building, are set to have stricter security control because of their residents' nature.

Both options offer a range of services and support, but they differ significantly in terms of the level of care provided, the types of residents they serve, and the environments in which they operate. Understanding these differences can help families make the best choice based on the specific needs of their loved ones.

1. Memory Care in Oklahoma

Memory care is a subcategory of assisted living, but with a greater focus on cognitive support and a structured environment to manage the symptoms of memory loss.

Key Features:

• Target Population: Memory care communities are designed for individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dementia, or similar cognitive impairments. These individuals may struggle with memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily activities, making a higher level of supervision and care essential.
• Specialized Care: These facilities are staffed by professionals trained in managing cognitive disorders. They offer around-the-clock care, medication management, and support for daily activities, tailored to meet the needs of those with memory issues.
• Security: Memory care units in Oklahoma typically feature secure environments to prevent wandering. This is critical for residents with dementia, as they may become disoriented or confused and wander off.
• Structured Environment: Activities in memory care communities are often highly structured to provide routine and stability, which helps individuals feel more secure. Programs may focus on cognitive exercises, memory games, and other activities designed to engage the brain and improve quality of life.
• Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a personalized care plan to address their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that their cognitive, emotional, and physical needs are met.

2. Assisted Living in Oklahoma

Assisted living communities provide housing and assistance for individuals who need help with some activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. While some individuals in assisted living may have cognitive impairments, the facility does not focus on memory care, and residents typically do not require the level of specialized support that memory care offers.

Key Features:

• Target Population: Assisted living is suitable for individuals who need some help with daily tasks but do not require the intensive care or supervision offered in memory care. These individuals may have physical limitations or chronic conditions but still have relatively intact cognitive functions.
• Personal Care Services: Assisted living facilities in Oklahoma offer assistance with ADLs, medication management, and sometimes light housekeeping or laundry services. They also offer meals and social activities designed to promote engagement and quality of life.
• Independence and Socialization: Residents of assisted living communities often maintain a higher degree of independence compared to those in memory care. Many facilities offer a range of recreational and social activities, such as fitness programs, outings, and arts and crafts.
• Health Services: While assisted living provides basic health care services, it is not equipped to provide advanced medical care. However, some facilities may have on-site nurses or partnerships with local healthcare providers to meet the medical needs of residents.

3. Differences Between Memory Care and Assisted Living

The primary difference between memory care and assisted living in Oklahoma is the level of care and the focus on cognitive impairments. Here are some key distinctions:

• Care Level: Memory care provides specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, with a focus on cognitive and behavioral support. Assisted living, on the other hand, offers general assistance with daily living activities for individuals who are relatively independent but may need help with some tasks.
• Security and Safety: Memory care units have higher security features to prevent wandering, which is a common issue for people with dementia. Assisted living communities may not have the same level of security, as residents are generally more independent.
• Staff Training: The staff in memory care communities are specifically trained to handle the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. In contrast, the staff in assisted living communities may not have the specialized training required for dementia care, though they are typically trained to provide general assistance with daily activities.
• Cost: Memory care tends to be more expensive than assisted living due to the higher level of care and specialized services provided. The cost of care can vary depending on the location, the size of the community, and the specific services offered.

4. Choosing Between Memory Care and Assisted Living in Oklahoma

When making the decision between memory care and assisted living in Oklahoma, families should consider several factors:

• Level of Cognitive Impairment: If a loved one is experiencing significant memory loss or confusion, memory care may be the more appropriate choice. However, if the individual is relatively independent and only needs help with physical tasks, assisted living may be sufficient.
• Safety Concerns: For individuals who are prone to wandering or have difficulty with spatial awareness, memory care communities provide a safer environment with secure areas designed to prevent accidents.
• Care Needs: Assess whether the individual requires specialized care for medical conditions or cognitive issues, or if they can thrive in a more independent living situation with minimal support.
• Budget: Memory care can be more expensive, so financial considerations may play a significant role in the decision-making process.

Oklahoma Dementia Care - Amenities

The best Alzheimer’s care facilities in Oklahoma are featured in a number of different settings. The most common units are connected to a larger assisted living center or nursing home that also provides specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care. These kinds of facilities are ideal for seniors that may need living with a wife or husband who does not suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

There are other types of Alzheimer’s care homes that are exclusive to that type of care. These facilities may incorporate more specialized care plans, higher levels of building security like automatically locking doors and security pendants for patients, as well as help in avoiding wandering or feeling of distress by color-coding walls or other helpful navigation tools for elderly residents.

Dementia care homes in Oklahoma generally break down the care into three different phrases: personal care, personal productivity and personal leisure. Personal care is offered to help with daily activities like getting dressed, helping with washing, brushing teeth, combing and styling hair, and other self-image functions along with using the restroom and bathing. Regardless of the circumstances, staff are on hand to make new residents feel as comfortable as possible.

Below is a more detailed look at the amenities commonly found in Oklahoma’s memory care facilities.

Safe and Secure Environments

Memory care facilities in Oklahoma prioritize safety through features such as secure entrances and exits, enclosed courtyards, and monitored access points. These measures help prevent wandering—a common challenge for individuals with memory impairments—while still allowing residents to move freely within designated safe areas.

Specialized Care Plans

Each resident typically receives a personalized care plan based on their unique needs and cognitive condition. Oklahoma facilities often employ trained staff skilled in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, ensuring that residents receive attention tailored to their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.

Comfortable and Therapeutic Living Spaces

Memory care communities in Oklahoma are designed to feel like home, with cozy, calming interiors and strategically arranged spaces to minimize confusion. Facilities often include:

• Private or semi-private rooms
• Common areas with dementia-friendly design features such as clear signage, contrasting colors, and simple layouts
• Outdoor areas with sensory gardens and safe walking paths

Engaging Activities and Programs

To stimulate cognitive function and maintain a sense of purpose, Oklahoma memory care facilities offer structured activities, including:

• Music and art therapy
• Reminiscence sessions
• Light physical exercises tailored to residents' abilities
• Group games and social interactions
  These activities are designed to reduce agitation, enhance socialization, and improve overall mental health.

Nutritious and Specialized Dining Options

Proper nutrition is crucial for individuals with memory challenges. Many Oklahoma memory care facilities provide:

• Dietitian-approved meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs
• Adaptive utensils for easy dining
• Mealtime routines designed to provide familiarity and reduce stress

Round-the-Clock Supervision and Support

Memory care facilities in Oklahoma typically offer 24/7 care, with staff available to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Emergency response systems are often integrated into the residents’ rooms for immediate assistance.

Family Support and Involvement

Family involvement is highly encouraged in Oklahoma’s memory care communities. Facilities often host family education sessions, support groups, and regular updates on residents’ well-being to ensure loved ones stay connected.

Specialized Therapies and Technology

Oklahoma memory care providers often use innovative tools and therapies, such as:

• Sensory stimulation therapies
• Pet therapy and interaction programs
• Technology-driven cognitive exercises
• Memory boxes or life-story displays to help residents stay connected to their personal history

Transportation and Additional Services

Many facilities provide transportation for medical appointments, shopping trips, or outings. Additional services like housekeeping, laundry, and salon visits are also commonly included to simplify daily living for residents.

Community Integration and Cultural Sensitivity

Given Oklahoma’s rich cultural heritage, some memory care communities incorporate activities and events that reflect local traditions and values. This helps residents feel a sense of familiarity and pride in their surroundings.

Oklahoma Memory Care Admission Checklist

Any senior interested in moving to a memory care facility in the state of Oklahoma is permitted to a disclosure form that outlines and explains the services provided by the facility, including its related costs. The document will also explain the processes that the facility follows, including admission and the arranged activities specifically designed for dementia residents.

Interested individuals may be refused admittance to the memory care community if:

• Restraints in the physical or chemical form are needed
• The medical needs are beyond what the facility can give
• The physical demands are beyond what the facility can provide
• They are identified as a threat to self, to other residents, and the staff of the facility

Memory Care vs Dementia Care in Oklahoma

When exploring care options for individuals with cognitive impairments in Oklahoma, it's essential to understand the differences between memory care and dementia care. While both focus on providing specialized support for individuals with memory-related conditions, the terminology and services may overlap. Here's a detailed comparison tailored to the needs and resources available in Oklahoma.

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living designed for individuals experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive conditions. Facilities offering memory care in Oklahoma provide a secure environment with staff trained to handle the unique needs of these individuals.

Key Features of Memory Care in Oklahoma:

1. Secured Facilities: Memory care units often have locked doors, secured outdoor spaces, and enhanced safety features to prevent wandering, a common issue for individuals with dementia.
2. Specialized Activities: These facilities provide structured programs designed to stimulate cognitive abilities and improve quality of life. Activities like art therapy, music sessions, and reminiscence therapy are common.
3. Highly Trained Staff: Caregivers are trained in managing behaviors like confusion, aggression, or anxiety, often associated with memory impairments.
4. 24/7 Support: Memory care facilities offer round-the-clock care, ensuring residents receive assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals.
5. Community Resources: Oklahoma organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma, collaborate with memory care facilities to offer family support, education, and advocacy.

What is Dementia Care?

Dementia care focuses on the comprehensive needs of individuals diagnosed with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. While memory care is a subset of dementia care, the latter encompasses a broader scope, often including medical and therapeutic services.

Key Features of Dementia Care in Oklahoma:

1. Medical and Clinical Support: Dementia care can include more intensive medical oversight, often in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals. These may have dementia-specialized units.
2. Advanced Behavioral Support: Dementia care includes management of challenging behaviors and symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, or severe confusion.
3. Palliative and Hospice Care: For late-stage dementia, Oklahoma offers palliative and hospice services to ensure comfort and dignity in care.
4. Customized Care Plans: Facilities providing dementia care work closely with families and healthcare providers to create individualized care plans tailored to the person’s progression of dementia.

Differences in Oklahoma Context

1. Care Settings:

   • Memory care in Oklahoma is typically offered in specialized wings of assisted living communities or standalone memory care facilities.
   • Dementia care may also include skilled nursing facilities, home care, or integrated care units within hospitals.

2. Costs:

   • Memory care in Oklahoma often costs less than full dementia care in skilled nursing facilities, given the additional medical needs in the latter. According to local trends, memory care costs range from $4,500 to $7,000 per month, while dementia care in nursing homes can exceed $7,500 monthly.

3. State Regulations:

   • Oklahoma closely regulates memory care facilities, requiring them to meet specific criteria for staff training, safety, and resident care.
   • Dementia care, particularly in skilled nursing settings, follows even stricter health and medical oversight standards.

4. Availability:

   • Memory care communities are abundant in larger Oklahoma cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Norman, while more rural areas may have limited options.
   • Dementia care services may require coordination with state-funded programs or travel to metropolitan areas for specialized facilities.

Choosing Between Memory Care and Dementia Care

The choice between memory care and dementia care in Oklahoma depends on the individual's condition and care requirements:

• Memory Care is ideal for individuals in the early to moderate stages of dementia who primarily need a secure environment, personal assistance, and cognitive engagement.
• Dementia Care is better suited for those in the advanced stages, requiring medical intervention, complex behavioral management, or end-of-life care.

Resources for Families in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers various support services to help families navigate these decisions, including:

• The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division, which provides information on licensed facilities and financial assistance.
• Local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association that offer educational workshops, support groups, and caregiver resources.

Secured Memory Care Units in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the memory care units should be secured, and if there are restricted areas in the community, staff should always be present in that section. These restricted areas can be dedicated to storage rooms for medicines. Most use state of the art security systems to ensure that the entry and exit points can control access of the residents to prevent them from wandering off. The facilities should also observe the Oklahoma’s Fire Marshall's safety standards or the city's / town’s local jurisdiction.

Here are some of the key security measures commonly found in memory care facilities in Oklahoma:

1. Secure Entry and Exit Points

Memory care facilities are typically designed with secured entry and exit points to prevent residents from leaving the facility unnoticed, which is a significant concern for those with memory impairments who may wander. Many facilities use:

• Locked doors and gates: These prevent residents from exiting without staff supervision.
• Keycard access: Only authorized personnel can access certain areas, ensuring that residents cannot wander off into unsafe spaces.
• Alarm systems: Doors and windows may have alarms that alert staff when a resident attempts to leave a designated area.

2. Surveillance Systems

Most memory care facilities are equipped with extensive surveillance systems to monitor residents and staff. This includes:

• CCTV cameras: Located in common areas, hallways, and outdoor spaces, cameras help staff maintain oversight and ensure residents are safe. These systems are monitored in real-time to detect any unusual behavior.
• Monitoring devices: Some facilities use wearable technology for residents that track their location within the facility, enhancing staff's ability to monitor movement and respond quickly if needed.

3. Wandering Prevention Programs

Wandering is one of the most common challenges in memory care. To mitigate the risk of residents leaving the facility or becoming lost:

• Secure indoor and outdoor spaces: Enclosed outdoor gardens and courtyards are designed to allow residents to enjoy fresh air while remaining safe and contained.
• Personalized tracking systems: RFID (radio-frequency identification) bracelets or wristbands can be worn by residents to track their movements. These devices alert staff if a resident attempts to leave the building or enters a restricted area.
• Staff training: Staff members are trained to recognize signs of wandering behavior and intervene appropriately.

4. 24/7 Staffing

Memory care facilities in Oklahoma often employ round-the-clock staffing, ensuring that someone is always available to provide supervision and care. This includes:

• Nurses and caregivers: These professionals are trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s care and are able to provide constant support to residents.
• Security personnel: Some larger facilities may have dedicated security staff on hand to monitor the premises, especially at night.

5. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Ensuring the safety of residents in the event of an emergency is a top priority. Facilities implement various fire safety measures:

• Smoke detectors and fire alarms: These are installed throughout the building and are connected to emergency response systems.
• Sprinkler systems: Many facilities have sprinkler systems in place to contain fires quickly and prevent injury.
• Evacuation plans: Facilities have detailed emergency evacuation plans, with procedures tailored to the cognitive impairments of residents. Staff are trained to assist residents during evacuations.

6. Controlled Medication Management

Memory care facilities in Oklahoma employ strict protocols for managing residents' medications. This includes:

• Secure storage: Medications are stored in locked cabinets, and only authorized staff members can access them.
• Electronic medication administration records (eMAR): Many facilities use digital systems to track medication administration, reducing the risk of errors.
• Regular reviews: Medications are regularly reviewed by healthcare providers to ensure they are still appropriate and effective.

7. Access Control for Staff

In addition to controlling resident movement, memory care facilities also control who has access to residents:

• Background checks: All staff undergo comprehensive background checks, including criminal and abuse history screenings, to ensure a safe environment.
• Visitor policies: Family members and other visitors must often check in at a front desk, sign in, and be escorted by staff to ensure that residents are not left unattended with visitors who may pose a risk.

8. Physical Environment Design

The design of the facility itself plays a key role in ensuring the safety and security of residents. Features often include:

• Familiar, homelike environments: This reduces confusion and stress for residents with memory impairments. Areas are designed to feel comforting and provide clear signage.
• Clear pathways: Hallways and common areas are designed to be straightforward and easy to navigate. Excessive clutter or complicated layouts are avoided.
• Safe furniture: Furniture and fixtures are selected with safety in mind, ensuring that they do not pose any risk of injury.

9. Behavioral Monitoring

Facilities frequently employ behavioral monitoring techniques to ensure residents are safe and well-cared for:

• Staff observations: Care staff regularly observe residents for changes in behavior that may indicate a risk of injury or distress.
• Behavioral tracking tools: Some facilities use tools to track residents' moods, behavior, and routines, enabling staff to provide more tailored care and respond to issues before they escalate.

10. Resident Family Communication

Regular communication between facility staff and residents’ families is a vital security measure:

• Care updates: Families are often given regular updates on their loved ones' health, behavior, and activities.
• Emergency contact protocols: Families are informed of emergency contact procedures in the event that a crisis occurs.

Memory Care Regulations in Oklahoma

Like all the states in the US, Oklahoma also has a set of regulations for the processes in a memory care facility. All operating dementia-specific units and assisted living communities must abide by these regulations, so a standard level of care is achieved across the state.

Care Plan

Within the first month of the resident moving into the care facility, a medical assessment will be completed. This is to identify the senior's needs and check if the facility is capable of providing for these needs. Within 14 days, a comprehensive assessment is also needed to map the best approach so the resident can fully thrive in the new environment. This care plan is revisited and adjusted every year, or multiple times in a year should drastic changes be observed in the patient's health.

If the resident had extreme health changes, this doesn't mean that the senior needs to move out. The senior's physician can be tapped by formulating a plan where the facility's involvement is outlined. This written proposal will be reviewed quarterly, and adjustments will be applied as necessary.

Facility

Unlike other states, Oklahoma doesn't have specific floor size requirement for each resident's space. The regulation is just to make sure that the memory care facility's design is appropriate and safe to the residents' profile. There should only be two residents in every bedroom, and a bathroom should be readily available for every four residents living in the facility.

Staffing Ratio and Training

There is also no set staff to resident ratio for memory care units in Oklahoma. The only regulation is there should be enough staff to provide the needs and assist the residents at all times. This rule is also applicable during the night.

The staff that has direct contact and socialization with residents should be qualified and should be trained in giving CPR and first aid. There should also be at least two awake members of the staff on duty for every shift.

There should also be an administrator responsible for the facility's operations, and these leads should either be certified by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. Completing sixteen hours of continuous education should be done every year.

Medication Management

For the staff members to administer medicines and prescriptions, they should be duly certified by the State Department of Health. They should also complete the approved training program before they assist with the medication of the residents.

The residents' medication should also be reviewed by the dementia facility's pharmacist or registered nurse. These medications are reviewed quarterly by a consultant pharmacist, and any changes in the residents' prescriptions should come from a certified physician.

Financial Aid for Alzheimer's Memory Care

There are a lot of programs that Oklahoma seniors and their families can take advantage of to assist them in their financing their stay in assisted living facilities, including special ones dedicated to dementia residents.

Here are the viable options that can be considered:

• Advantage Program Waiver
• Oklahoma Personal Care Program
• Veteran's Affairs

Additional Option: Tax credits and deductions like the Credit for the Elderly and the Disabled.

When is the right time to move to Memory Care?

You and your loved one who is suffering from dementia may not realize it at first, but the option of moving to a memory care unit brings about advantages.

Sure, it might cause doubts and a lot of hesitation at first because the last thing your senior wants would be to be away with loved ones and a familiar environment, and you, as the family, would like to help as much as you can to make a safe environment for them.

In reality though, dementia is a progressive disease, and it's not going to get better. Caring for our seniors at home might initially work but will no longer be conducive to dementia, and the needs get worst. This is where professionals and the 24/7 supervision available in memory care communities become the ray of hope for everyone.

Is there a specific time to say that it is time to move your senior to a memory care unit in Oklahoma? No, there's none because dementia and its progress are unique for every individual. There might be a likely pattern, but it is not textbook written to help you arrive at a decision.

Staff and supporters of memory care units would recommend moving your loved ones when they are still alert and able to intervene accordingly in order to make the transition more seamless and less complicated.

But if you need some obvious signs to get your buy-in and not doubt your decision, then here are some of the usual symptoms that our seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia display or experience. These can make you consider more the necessity of memory care communities:

• Deteriorating physical health – losing weight, vision problems, health complications
• Drastic and/or gradual behavior changes – getting violent, frequent outbursts
• Emotional challenges – feeling depressed, isolating oneself, heightened fear and anxiety
• Safety risks – wandering off, getting lost, falling down the stairs
• Responsibilities at risk – forgetting to pay the bills, not taking in prescriptions on time

If you, as the caregiver, also see the following signs in you or the family member taking care of your loved one, then the more you should weigh in on moving your loved one to a memory care facility

• Physically, mentally, psychologically, and emotionally exhausted
• Not 100% confident that you are providing the care needed
• Unable to balance work, family, and your responsibilities
• Level of stress is at its peak
• Unable to commit your full time

Note that moving your loved one to a memory care unit doesn't mean that you are abandoning your responsibility or not being 'family.' Memory care communities can provide the assistance and ensure the security of your loved one more than you can. Moving them is putting them first and giving them the chance to thrive better.

Questions to Ask When Touring an Oklahoma Memory Care Community

Being scheduled for a memory care community will always be a scary experience. You really won't know what to expect, and visiting one makes the decision seem more real and imminent.

The facility personnel who will do the tour with you will appreciate your asking questions and wanting to know more about their community. This is one way of you wanting to be involved with the future residence of your loved one. You want that personal guarantee that the people you will be involved in your senior's life are professionals and more capable than you. You want to be assured that they are better than you when it comes to giving the assistance and attention that need to be provided.

Preparing a list of questions may help you get the most out of the tour. You can ask about the costs and the services included in the quoted rates. Take your time and ask about the security measures that the facility has in place and the processes they follow during difficulties – be it  medical related or natural emergencies.

You can also ask how you and the rest of your family can remain involved in the life of your senior. Check schedules of visits or if you can take your loved one out of the facility during the weekends or for special family occasions.

The experience can be a little overwhelming but once you're there, maximize the time and opportunity that has been extended to clear your hesitations and calm your fears. There are no right or wrong questions. You are there to learn about the facility, so ask away.