“At some point, individuals with memory loss will need full-time, around-the-clock care in order to live safely,” says Doris Lea, Executive Director of Hidden Springs of McKinney, a luxury retirement community that is now open in McKinney, TX. “In the early stages of dementia, family members may shoulder the caregiving role for their loved one, but that’s simply not possible in the later stages. At this point, you have two options: at-home care that takes place in your loved one’s current living situation, or full-time care as a resident at a community that offers Memory Care services.”
Choosing the right type of care for your loved one with memory loss can be tricky. You want to make sure they’re receiving the best possible care, but also be in a place that feels like home (or is home). What choice, then, is best for you and your loved one?
At-Home Care
For families who wish to keep their senior loved one with dementia in their own homes, at-home care can provide a wide range of services and be a huge assistance to caregivers. Not all home caregiving services provide the same assistance, though. Some provide non-medical care (like being a companion or providing personal care), while others have licensed health professionals providing medical care. Here are a few of the common types of at-home care services available.
- Companion services. This type of service provides seniors with a companion for company, for entertainment and for supervision. They may also provide services like driving the senior to doctor’s appointments or other activities.
- Personal care services. These professionals provide assistance with the tasks of daily living such as getting dressed, bathing, eating, toileting, exercising, mobility or any other forms of personal care.
- Homemaker services. Homemakers can help with tasks around the home, such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, errand running or general housekeeping duties.
- Skilled care. For seniors with extensive health needs, a licensed medical professional can come into the home to help with wound care, physical therapy, injections and other services.
- 24-hour care. Basically, this means that there is a caregiver in the home every hour of every day (including overnight). This means that several different caregivers will be in the home throughout the day. Depending on what agency you use, caregivers can provide services such as personal care, companionship, homemaker services and potentially some skilled care.
At-home care provides a variety of benefits to the senior and their family, such as being able to stay in a comfortable home setting that they are familiar with. Family members (such as spouses or adult children) have the opportunity to closely monitor and manage care for their loved one as well as have extreme flexibility with requesting caregiver changes or changes to a care plan
The ultimate cost of at-home care varies by state and by how many services are required. When everything is added up – different types of services, adult daycare costs, not to mention the cost of daily upkeep of a house – the cost can be $5,000 or more a month (and can easily climb past $10,000 per month).
Memory Care
Moving a senior to a memory care community can cause many family members to balk, especially if they’d promised Mom or Dad that they’d never put them in a “home.” But today’s memory care communities are not like what your senior loved ones might have imagined. Instead, these communities – which are either standalone or are part of a larger senior living community – have been designed specifically for the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
The community is laid out with wide, open common spaces, navigational tools and secure entrances and exits. Residents have their own private or shared room and the freedom to move throughout the memory care community as they wish. These communities are also staffed by professional caregivers who have been trained to understand (and meet) the needs of individuals living with cognitive decline.
What makes a memory care community truly unique is their focus on harmonizing the body, mind and soul of their residents. Every caregiver present is dedicated to helping individuals live a purposeful, whole, fulfilling life, no matter what stage of the dementia journey they are in. Every resident receives a personalized care plan when they are admitted into the community, and unique programming is designed based on the resident’s needs, abilities, preferences and personal history.
While a memory care community can be costly (anywhere from $6,000 and up), there are many, many nonmonetary benefits that seniors and families will receive, says Doris.
“There’s a real relief that comes from knowing your loved one is in a place where they were receiving the best possible care at any time of the day, every day,” she says. “It also allows family caregivers to step back from their caregiving duties and re-focus on the relationship with their loved one. They can again be children, spouses and friends and nurture that connection.”
And although the price tag may seem high at first, Doris says that it can often be more affordable than at-home care – and it’s certainly a lot easier. “We operate on an all-inclusive monthly fee at Hidden Springs,” she says. “That fee includes everything that your loved one needs to live well in our community: meals, rent, activities, transportation, housekeeping, laundry, utilities, personal care and more. No hidden fees or surprise costs.”
“Trust me, we know and understand how hard of a decision it is to place a loved one in a memory care community,” she says. “Please understand that everyone at Hidden Springs knows what you’re going through, and that we all are pledged to care for every resident as if they were a member of our own family. It’s our honor and privilege to care for your loved one during this chapter of their life. They deserve to be celebrated, honored and cherished, and that is exactly what we do here. I encourage anyone who is considering choosing Hidden Springs as a home for their loved one with memory issues to take a personal tour of our community.”
For more information about the benefits of Memory Care or at-home care, or to learn more about our new community in North Dallas, please contact us at 972.483.0234.
Luxury Living in North Dallas
At Hidden Springs of McKinney, we understand how important location is to North Dallas seniors who are looking for an engaging, enriching retirement lifestyle. Located in McKinney, Texas, we are close to medical centers, arts and entertainment, outdoor opportunities and everything else you love about this area. Seniors who choose to make us their home can enjoy a range of trips, opportunities and activities while living their very best life thanks to our innovative focus on wellness.
Active Retirement Living for a Healthy Tomorrow
The Secret to a Life Well Lived awaits you at Hidden Springs of McKinney. Envisioned and developed by Madison Marquette, a company with a 25-year track record of investing in vibrant communities and a stellar reputation for developing luxury residences, you’ll discover all the possibilities your retirement brings … as well as the confidence of knowing your future is secure.
Our beautifully appointed, active retirement living community is created for those who expect more out of life. Luxury living, gracious services, resort-quality amenities, engaging programs and stunning apartments in 15-floor plans are just a few of the benefits awaiting you. And with Assisted Living and Memory Care services offered on campus, you can retire with complete peace of mind, knowing that if needs change, the care you deserve is right at home.
To learn more about Hidden Springs of McKinney and discover The Secret to a Life Well Lived, call or visit us today. We’d be happy to schedule a tour and show you just how much our location can make your retirement experience exceptional.
Call us today at 972.483.0234.