Memory Care near Kamloops, BC

Memory Care in Kamloops, BC

Once a senior develops dementia or Alzheimer's disease, they will eventually need 24-hour care. In most cases, families can't provide that level of care due to time constraints and lack of training. Not only that, but the emotional strain of dealing with a loved one yelling at you and making unreasonable demands can be very difficult to handle long-term. If your loved one has displayed the signs of memory impairment, it's time to start considering memory care options.

More about Kamloops

Kamloops is an interesting town full of warm, friendly, and fun people. It's known as the tournament capital of Canada thank to its $50 million investment in new and renovated facilities. It's capable of hosting tournaments, cultural events, training camps, and national and international competitions. The city's name comes from the Secwepemc word T'kemlups, which means "meeting of the rivers." Kamloops is on the meeting point of the South Thompson River and the North Thompson River. Despite the river, the city doesn't get much precipitation each year, so there aren't a lot of trees in the area, and the ones that do exist won't grow below a certain level because of the lack of precipitation, which is different than most places which won't grow above a certain level. Kamloops has plenty of other quirky facts for seniors to discover during their retirement here.

Memory Care Defined

If you're not familiar with memory care and what it can do for your loved one, you may not be aware of its advantages. Memory care is typically a separate wing or section of assisted living communities and nursing homes, so your loved ones get all the benefits of these types of communities plus the dedicated memory care. That specific care includes protecting seniors from unsupervised wandering, providing therapies that help manage symptoms and, in some cases, help slow the progression of the memory impairment.

Facts about Memory Care

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to memory care communities.

• There are usually locks and alarms
It's important for you to know that memory care has locked doors and alarms in place to discourage residents from wandering off to unsafe areas that could cause them or someone else harm. However, that doesn't mean the facility doesn't encourage healthy wandering, it just means it's done in a supervised manner.
• Each community is unique
Each community has its own personality and culture. Some communities offer more formal, traditional decor while others may have a more home-like feel to them. The decorations, design, facilities, and activities will differ within each community, as well. Some communities have an open floor plan while others have a more traditional style.
• Memory care focuses on therapy
Therapy helps residents reduce their anxiety and improve their mood, which helps manage the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's. In less serious cases, therapy can help slow the progression of the illness a bit, giving seniors more time to enjoy their lives and spend time with loved ones. Therapy includes options such as music, art, writing, pet, and group reminiscence.

Paying for Memory Care

Seniors in Kamloops have several options when it comes to paying for memory care. The average cost of memory care in Canada ranges from $1,500 to $7,000, which can be difficult to manage if you're not prepared. The best option is long-term care insurance, although it only works if families plan ahead. Most insurance companies in Canada won't insure seniors with preexisting conditions, so you have to apply for the insurance before medical issues arise. The next best option involves using government resources such a senior's pension plan, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement. As a last resort, you can consider reverse mortgages and paying out of pocket. Reverse mortgages are only available to seniors, and they involve selling the senior's home back to the bank, which may not be an option anyone in the family prefers. Paying out of pocket is usually challenging for families who also have their own bills to take care of, so it's important to discuss payment options with the facility once you decide which one you want to go with.

The decision to move a loved one to a memory care facility can be difficult for families. First of all, a loved one dealing with memory loss can be emotionally challenging for everyone. Second, most families would prefer to care for their loved ones themselves, and the need to move them to a facility can feel like you're letting them down. However, the reality is that seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's need specialized care that you may not be trained to provide. When that's the case, it's in the best interest of your loved one to move to a facility that can give them the care they need.