There are two main types of dementia care options: in-home dementia care and dementia care in senior living communities. The latter is often better, especially as the disease progresses and seniors need more supervision and care. In Greensboro, NC, TerraBella Greensboro provides the memory care services necessary for residents to thrive.
Alzheimer’s Disease International states that someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. This frequency means that while there were over 55 million people in the world with dementia in 2020, this number will double every year. As a result, we can expect the number to climb to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.
Even if you’re currently in good cognitive health, there’s a real possibility that you may develop this disease later on. It’s obvious that we have a health crisis on our hands, so it’s best to learn about your dementia care options in Greensboro, NC, now rather than later.
What Is Dementia Care?
Dementia care refers to specialized support and services that are tailored to those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. This type of senior care focuses on maintaining cognitive function, as well as helping with emotional well-being and safety.
There are various ways that older adults can receive dementia care. Some may opt for in-home care, while others may choose to live in a senior living community with a memory care program.
Whatever they choose, the ultimate goal is to enhance comfort, independence, and quality of life for not just the senior but also their family.
The Dementia Care Options Available
We briefly touched upon the two types of dementia care above. But let’s go into more detail about these memory care services so you understand them better.
In-Home Dementia Care
As the name suggests, in-home dementia care allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their home while receiving personalized support. Caregivers can be anyone from family members to trained professionals.
While 24-hour in-home care is possible, most caregivers only come around when help is needed.
Dementia Care in Senior Living Communities
Dementia care in senior living communities is often referred to as “memory care.” Here, you’ll get a structured and secure environment with personalized memory programs.
Older adults will benefit from their own living spaces, and they’ll receive 24-hour help from staff members. They can also enjoy the services and amenities on site, such as restaurant-style dining and fitness classes.
The staff will ensure that residents receive consistent routines, social activities, and sensory engagement.
What Type of Care Is Best for Dementia Patients?
The best type of care for dementia patients will depend on the stage of the disease, and also, more importantly, on individual needs.
With that said, in most cases, specialized memory care communities are often the most effective. This is because the communities offer:
- Structured routines
- Secure environments
- Staff trained specifically in dementia communication and behavior management
In the early stages of dementia, older adults may actually thrive with in-home care since they don’t have to leave a familiar environment. But as the disease progresses, seniors will need more supervision and care, so moving to a memory care community is most likely the best option.
Whatever you choose, the best care should emphasize consistency, compassion, and a personalized approach.
Why Choose TerraBella Greensboro?
If you’d like dementia care in Greensboro, NC, then choose TerraBella Greensboro. We have a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom floor plan that gives residents a cozy personal space to call their own.
In addition, our staff members are compassionate and attentive. Their care is based on research-backed practices, so you know that interactions will be effective and productive.
There are also community amenities to enjoy, such as:
- Activity rooms
- Communal spaces
- Bistro with all-day snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the 4 Rs of Dementia Care?
The 4 Rs of dementia care are guiding principles for caregivers. These are effective strategies that allow for a compassionate, person-centered approach, and as a result, they can help reduce agitation and maintain the senior’s dignity.
The 4 Rs are as follows:
- Reassure: Offer calm comfort to reduce confusion or fear.
- Redirect: Gently shift the senior’s focus from distressing thoughts or behaviors to something positive or familiar.
- Reconsider: Adapt perspective and approach, understanding that challenging behaviors usually result from unmet needs rather than intent.
- Relax: Maintain patience and composure, as stress can transfer to the person with dementia.
Can Dementia Be Treated if Caught Early?
Unfortunately, dementia currently can’t be cured. However, early detection can significantly improve management and quality of life.
When you catch dementia in its early stages, you can have timely interventions through:
- Medications
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Cognitive therapies
Also, this allows both older adults and their families to:
- Plan for future care
- Make financial and legal decisions
- Adopt brain-healthy habits (e.g., regular exercise, social engagement, balanced diet)
What Is the Average Cost of Memory Care in North Carolina?
According to OptoCeutics, residential memory care in the nation can be anywhere from $3,500 to over $6,500 per month.
In general, the cost of living in North Carolina is lower than the national average. Based on that, you should expect prices in the state to be below the average range listed above.
However, it’s best that you request quotes from memory care communities you’re interested in. That way, you’re confident about how much you’re paying and what services and amenities you’re getting with those prices.
Explore Your Dementia Care Options
There are two main dementia care options available to older adults, and you should take time to think about the pros and cons of each when doing care planning for dementia. Both offer cognitive support, but in-home dementia care has much lighter services, and they aren’t appropriate when the disease progresses.
So dementia care in a senior living community may be the better option, especially if you make the transition early. That way, you’re already in the environment, and you can receive care that adapts to your evolving needs.
At TerraBella Greensboro, we have trained staff members who are available around the clock to provide constant care for our residents. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about memory care in Greensboro, NC.
