Memory Care near Nanaimo, BC

Memory Care in Nanaimo, BC

Dealing with the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease can be challenging for both families and the seniors experiencing them, but that doesn't mean they have to remain isolated from the rest of the world. Memory care facilities offer therapy and treatment that can help seniors manage their symptoms, which helps reduce their anxiety and makes socializing possible again. Plus, these facilities have the added benefit of creating a social support group of your loved one's peers, which means they will have access to others in their age group going through the same thing. It gives them an opportunity to relate, and it also gives them a chance to live their life despite their illness. Memory care is a great option for seniors dealing with memory impairment, so if you notice the signs in your loved one, start researching the available communities right away.

More About Nanaimo

Nanaimo is known as the "Harbour City" because of its central location on Vancouver Island. It is widely known for its bathtub racing, which requires the use of a bathtub boat. It began in Nanaimo as a way to highlight the city's fun activities and draw tourists to the island. It quickly caught on in other areas, but Nanaimo keeps a tradition of the races followed by pubbing at local watering holes. That said, the city also has a large arts scene for those who enjoy more than just outdoor sports and drinking. Nanaimo has spectacular views, fun activities and festivals, and a culturally rich art scene, all of which means that it's a great city to live and visit.

More About Memory Care

It's important to know that memory care is not a stand alone facility. Memory care is part of either assisted living or nursing home care, and choosing between the two requires that you understand the level of care your loved one needs. Because it is part of assisted living or nursing home care that means your loved one will receive the benefits of both communities in addition to the care they receive for their memory impairment. Residents receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and laundry, but in addition, they receive therapy and treatment to help manage their memory loss symptoms. Memory impairment affects seniors differently, but in general, seniors with memory loss need more attention and care than those without memory loss, so the memory care side of a facility should be well staffed to accommodate those needs.

Doing What's Best for Your Loved One

As your loved one's memory loss progresses, they will need more care. Eventually, they will need 24/7 care, which is not something family is equipped to deal with. A memory care facility becomes the best place for them. It provides your loved one with a social, supportive environment to keep them active and engaged, and it offers therapy to help them manage their memory loss symptoms. It's important for you to understand that your loved one can have a full, rewarding life while staying in a memory care facility. The best way to ensure that is to find one that suits their personality and preferences. Start this process by talking to their doctor and seeing what he or she recommends as the best facility for your loved one. Also ask them for referrals to help narrow your search down.

Paying for Memory Care

The average cost of memory care in Canada is roughly $4,500 a month. This depends on several factors, including location, amenities, size of community, and whether you want a private room or semi-private room. If you plan ahead, these costs won't be such a shock and you'll be able to manage them just fine. First, start with long-term care insurance. Keep in mind that most Canadian insurance companies won't cover seniors with preexisting medical conditions, so your family should look into it before any medical issues arise. If it's too late to consider insurance, the next option is government benefits, such as your loved one's Canadian pension. As a last resort, you can also use funds from a reverse mortgage or from savings, but these are financially draining for families, so experts recommend you exhaust other options first.

When you notice that your loved one has reached a point where their memory loss has affected their daily activities, it's time to see about getting them some help. Memory care facilities offer assistance with your loved one's daily activities such as dressing, cooking, and cleaning, but more importantly, they offer therapies that help your loved one manage their memory loss. It's also a social environment that keeps your loved one active and engaged with a group of their peers, which creates an inherent support group because everyone there is dealing with similar concerns. Your loved one will live a full and rewarding life while still getting the care they need to manage their memory loss.