Many older Americans may be able to live independently and remain in their own homes. Nearly 70% of 65-year-old adults, however, will need to receive long-term care at some point in their lives. There are a variety of health issues that may necessitate long-term care. This includes Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
A Brief Overview of Dementia Diagnoses Within the United States
When considering the total number of individuals diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease comprises roughly 80% of these cases. Currently, there are over five million individuals living within the United States that have been diagnosed with this prevalent form of dementia. While most of these individuals are older than 65, early-onset Alzheimer’s is not unusual. Approximately 200,000 Americans less than 65 years of age have been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
A Brief Introduction to Assisted Living Facilities
It’s important to note that there are special care unit disclosure laws that regulate memory care facilities. While not all 50 states have these regulations in place, they are present within 23 of them. One of the important services that is usually provided by memory care units is 24-hour supervised care. Since individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia may occasionally wander off and become confused, this is valuable service.
In addition to receiving memory care when needed, residents may also require assistance with a variety of daily living activities. Nearly 40%of residents, for example, may receive assistance with three or more of these, such as bathing, dressing, house keeping, shopping, and walking.
Learn More About the Benefits Provided by Assisted Living Communities
Since you may be considering the possibility that either you or a loved one would benefit from living in an assisted living apartment, it’s important to schedule a visit to walk through one or more of these communities. You may, for instance, be interested in a senior memory care community that provides assistance to seniors with dementia and/or other health issues. Once you speak with a representative, you’ll be able to discuss memory care plans and other important information in greater detail. Furthermore, you’ll be able to learn more about all of the services available to residents living at a senior memory care community.
