FAQ: Memory care assisted living

Mother and daughter laughing as they enjoy a cup of coffee at the kitchen table.
What is memory care assisted living?

Memory care assisted living is a secured, nurturing community for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Specially trained staff members provide care and services in an environment exclusively designed to keep residents active and engaged.

In memory care assisted living, the environment is customized for memory care, with activities that engage the senses and shared community areas for social interaction. Unobtrusive safety features throughout the environment support residents in their home. Design features such as the large, open area in the middle of the unit—which contains the shared kitchen/dining room and living room spaces—promote visual connections and encourage staff presence and interaction.

Our caregivers also receive ongoing memory care training, helping them better provide care. This allows them to more effectively communicate with residents, understand the meaning behind their behaviors and respond to support each resident’s unique needs. Our staff includes a ratio of one direct caregiver per eight residents and other staff members such as a registered nurse and  manager.

Why should I choose the Good Samaritan Society for my memory care assisted living needs?

The Good Samaritan Society focuses on providing a future full of hope, meaningful activities and joyful experiences for our residents. Our staffing and approach to care encourages residents to continue pursuing passions and goals, while still offering opportunities to reflect on comforting memories. 

What are the rooms like?

Residents have the freedom to personalize their rooms with items from home. They can be customized with pleasant reminders of family and other fond memories, helping to provide comfort and familiarity. Along with personal accommodations—including a private bathroom—our memory care assisted living communities offer the social interaction of shared activity areas (kitchen, dining room, etc.), so residents can benefit from daily interactions with others.

It’s the support and comfort of a community, combined with the privacy of home.

How do I know if I or someone I love qualifies for memory care assisted living?

People who qualify for memory care assisted living have received a medical diagnosis of irreversible dementia, which may include Alzheimer’s disease. They will also require some or all of the services provided in assisted living.

Overall, you or your loved one’s specific physical care needs will determine the right community to consider, so be sure to schedule an in-person visit for a needs assessment.

How do I pay for it?/What does it cost?

Memory care assisted living is typically paid for through private pay. Depending on the location, some memory care assisted living communities may accept other payment options.

To be sure you fully understand your payment options, consider stopping in to talk directly with  our staff. 

What services and amenities are available in memory care assisted living?

Each memory care assisted living community offers services and amenities specific to that community, but nearly all will include services such as a secured environment, three prepared meals per day, assistance with activities like bathing and dressing, medication management and administration, and more. They also typically include amenities such as a 24-hour trained memory support staff, scheduled recreational, social and religious activities, sensory rooms, a spa, and more. To learn more about the services and amenities at a Good Samaritan Society memory care assisted living community near you, call the local community for details.

How are the caregivers qualified to care for me or my loved one?

Our caregivers receive ongoing specialized training to provide ideal memory care support. That includes serving with compassion, creating a supportive environment, communicating with residents effectively and helping residents engage in meaningful activities and interactions.

Are there ways for family to stay involved? Is family allowed to visit?

We believe family is essential when it comes to memory care. We strongly encourage family members to stay involved in the lives of their loved ones, whether it’s through in-person visits, phone calls or other forms of interaction.

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