Massachusetts Memory Care Facilities

Massachusetts is one of the best places to live for seniors in the United States. The state offers phenomenal healthcare, reputable senior living facilities like assisted living and independent living communities, skilled nursing facilities as well as high quality dementia care homes.

The high quality of living does come with a price, however, as residents at Massachusetts memory care homes pay nearly $6,000 per month on average for a room. The state ranks third in being the most expensive in the nation, with only Connecticut and New Jersey having higher costs for dementia care than Massachusetts.

Detailed Cost of Memory Care in Massachusetts

The northeast, particularly the New England portion of the United States is highly desirable for all types of people, but especially senior citizens. Some of the best doctors and skilled nursing staff work in New England, and the quality of living is so incredible - from the delicious food served, to clean and comfortable rooms, splendid views and scenery, and abundance of things to do in the area. Massachusetts memory care homes are also close to the major cities of Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Massachusetts dementia care facilities are not cheap. Whether you are seeking memory care homes in the area that are 100 percent exclusive and dedicated to Alzheimer’s care or dementia care, or a unit that is part of a larger assisted living or nursing home, expect to spend around $200 per day, and nearly $6,000 per month for a room.

Affordable dementia care in Massachusetts is not all that common. The lowest ten percent of care homes still cost nearly $3,500 per month, or about $115 per day. The number is very reasonable considering the national average is $160 per day, yet finding these prices for rooms is not always that easy. Selection is definitely limited.

Expensive, luxurious memory care homes in Massachusetts can skyrocket to as much as $10,000 per month. The highest ten percent of Alzheimer’s care facilities in Massachusetts are priced at $10,300 per month, which is definitely very costly. Unfortunately, not every family can afford these rates, though the service and amenities are phenomenal.

Massachusetts Dementia Care - Amenities

Massachusetts Alzheimer’s and other memory care homes may be far from cheap, yet the skilled nursing staff and number of amenities are second to none. There is a reason so many families want to place loved ones in Massachusetts dementia care. They know their loved ones will be in excellent hands!

Skilled nursing staff is well trained and equipped to handle the difficulties of those dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They provide a great blend of one-on-one attention as well as group therapy and activities. Treatment is 100 percent dedicated to dementia care, with group exercise and personal leisure activities encouraged as well.

Standard amenities at top ranked Massachusetts memory care facilities include well-balanced, three course meals. Special accommodations and nutritional needs can be met upon request.

Additionally, dementia care communities in MA provide assistance with safety and security. Buildings are well staffed and housed with security aides like color-coded walls or sections to help avoid wandering. Doors can be automatically locked with residents wearing security pendants to help avoid wandering or getting lost outside the building premises.

Massachusetts Memory Care Admission Requirements

Memory care units in Massachusetts are considered as a special care wing of an assisted living residence and certain admission requirements need to be satisfied before a senior can be admitted.

Here are the admission requirements for a memory care facility in Massachusetts:

• Should be an older adult or senior
• Must have dementia or other forms of cognitive disease
• Has developmental abilities
• Has mental health disorders
• Has challenges in mobility

As much these special care units would want to accommodate everyone who wants to be part of the community, below are the possible reasons why admission won’t be given.

• Requires continuous access to practiced nursing care
• Is expected to require nursing care for more than three months or one quarter

Secured Memory Care Units in MA

Memory care units are unique in the way they provide emphasis on safety. With seniors dealing with moderate to advanced stages of dementia, their ability to reason critically is affected. Memory care communities in Massachusetts have secure units that are designed to provide maximum safety without compromising their residents’ freedom and independence.

Memory Care Regulations in Massachusetts

Memory care facilities have to follow certain regulations specific to the state of Massachusetts. These guidelines are outlined based on the structural facility, the staff and training regulations, care plan, and medication management.

Facility

Massachusetts does not specify the number of square feet for the facility’s bedrooms unlike the other states in the US. What is specified though by the state is that single or double tenancy rooms should have doors that have lockable entry and access to an area for cooking if there is no designated kitchenette. The maximum number of residents per bedroom is two and every bedroom should have its bathtub or shower, toilet, and sink. Alzheimer’s care facilities in Massachusetts should also have a secure outdoor area where the residents can walk securely. A heating arrangement should also be installed.

Staff Ratio and Training

There is no specific staff to resident ratio in memory care units in Massachusetts. The only condition is that there should be adequate staff at all times with at least two staff members awake throughout the night. The facility cannot employ any individual who was convicted of a felony related to theft or of selling controlled substances. The administrators must be at least 21 years old with relevant experience in handling health care and dementia-related cases. For managerial positions, the individual should have at least five hours of training not inclusive of training that is directly related to handling dementia care.

For those handling and preparing meals or are providing direct support to the residents, seven hours of orientation is mandated and 10 additional hours of relevant training per year. The staff helping in activities of daily living are also required 50 hours of training and all memory care unit personnel must receive two hours of training every year on topics that could enrich and develop their skills and approach in assisting residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Care Plan

Before admission into an MA memory care home, the senior would need to go through an assessment and a unique care plan needs to be formulated. This is necessary so the facility can also identify and ensure that it can meet the services needed by the resident. Once the facility provides affirmation that in full capacity and functionality it can provide the resident’s needs then working with a health care provider is the next stage so a comprehensive service plan can be created where the diagnosis, dietary needs, medication, and level of assistance among others are specifically outlined. Upon 30 days after initial submission, this care plan would be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. An annual care plan review is also needed when there are drastic changes in the resident’s condition.

Medication Management

The personnel of the facility who have completed the personal care service training are allowed to assist the residents in self-administered medications. Observing them and ensuring they take their medications and assistance like the opening of bottles and containers, verifying labels and prescriptions, and promptly reminding them of the time and frequency of taking in their medications are duly provided. Direct medication administration is an optional service with additional cost and can only be done by a registered or licensed nurse or a medical practitioner. The facility’s nurse can only administer the medications if it is directly from the pharmacy with the labeling intact and only as prescribed.

When Is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care in Massachusetts?

It doesn’t matter if your senior is still at home with family being the primary caregivers or your loved one has long transitioned to an assisted living facility in Massachusetts. When diagnosed with dementia, you know where the journey is more likely to end. As much as possible, you would want your senior to be assisted by well-trained individuals who have more understanding of dementia than you. You would also like your elder to be well-protected and free from the risks of wandering around or falling down the stairs. Overall, you would still want to give as much freedom and independence to them although in a more controlled environment.

Massachusetts memory care units may be the answer to that additional support that you need and here are some considerations that you have to look out for before making the ultimate decision.

1. If your senior is already in an assisted living facility then it’s best to have a discussion with the administrator or health coordinator about their observations regarding the health and behavior of your senior. They are the best source of information and they could also help make the transition seamless.
2. There is a need for a structured and safe environment and yes, you can provide this but for how long? As dementia progresses, a longer time would be needed to care for your loved one and you cannot provide intermittent care. Other situations like the possibility of getting lost or your senior wandering farther than wanted; falling down the stairs or getting into accidents can prove to be worrying. If you want an environment where they will be secured, consider a move to a special care facility in Massachusetts that offers memory care.
3. Consider your senior’s physical health, mental state, and emotional aspect, but don’t forget about yours too. Every incident and experience are new and most are not pleasant ones. For your loved one suffering from memory loss, it is the continuous feeling of losing a part of yourself which is downright scary and overwhelming and for you as a caregiver, that constant feeling of hopelessness and wanting to do more for them to make it a little better. Tired and stressed is never a great combination and may lead to a physical toll on you and your loved one. If you are going through this phase or are almost there, then do what will be best for everyone and transition to a memory care facility.

Being ready for the potential move is not a sign of failure on your part. This decision is made entirely with everyone’s safety and well-being in mind.

Questions to Ask Massachusetts Memory Care Communities During a Tour

Touring a memory care community in Massachusetts will surely spark questions from you. You’d want to get the answers you want to hear to make the decision making easier. While asking questions is good, also keep an open mind during these tours. Here are some practical questions that you can start with and progress based on the answers that you get.

1. How long has this facility been operating and how many residents do you have?
2. Do you have a physician and registered nurse all the time?
3. What are the activities you have in place for the residents?
4. How do you handle emergencies and behavioral outbursts?
5. How much is the monthly fee and what is included on that fee?

Memory Care and Massachusetts Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are residences for seniors of varying conditions and needs. Sometimes, assisted living facilities have special care units dedicated to seniors with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia.

In Massachusetts memory care communities and facilities, the whole community is designed and structured around the profile of their residents. These facilities are well suited to meet the needs of people with varying stages of dementia which means that the security and care plan is more comprehensive. The assistance personnel are also well-trained and highly experienced in managing and dealing with people suffering from different forms of cognitive impairment.

These facilities also foster socialization. Seniors in assisted living residences are usually capable of managing their social lives. Those in memory care communities may need help and guidance socializing, determining how to spend their days, and handling their relationships.

Massachusetts memory care residents are often overwhelmed by unfamiliarity. New sounds, new faces, and new sights can trigger a decline in health or change in behavior that’s why Alzheimer’s care homes promote sensory stimulation. These special care units keep their residents engaged and busy without overwhelming them or making them feel threatened.