In the secure memory care neighborhood at The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, you and your family will find a sense of community and an extensively-trained team that is focused on safely maximizing your abilities and well-being. Our Port St. Lucie memory care community offers the highest level of memory care.
Page Contents:
When Is it Time for Memory Care?
What’s Included in Memory Care?
How to Pay for Memory Care
Common Questions to Ask of a Memory Care Community
Custom Programming
Helping Hands to Help Minds Thrive
Virtual Dementia Tours
When Is it Time for Memory Care?
The truth is that there is no specific checklist that is true for all people in all situations. But there are some warning signs that it might be time to consider a move from assisted living to the more supportive and guided assistance that a memory care living unit provides.
Increasing confusion about routine daily needs and activities is a warning sign. Forgetfulness that goes beyond the occasional missed meal or medication, to an increasing inability to recall a name or an event, or to recognize a friend or family member, can be an indication that your loved one is in serious trouble, and requires more experienced and understanding care.
If such confusion persists and worsens, you as a caregiver should seek the advice of a medical professional. It might not require immediate attention, but you should never ignore the signs.
Depression, withdrawal from social interaction, and a diminishing ability to make even simple decisions are the typical signs of worsening dementia. Many seniors who experience these symptoms do not recognize them for what they are, and the decline can seem rapid.
What’s Included in Memory Care?
A memory care community features accommodations that are specially designed to reduce resident stress, with private or semi-private space and bright, interesting common gathering areas. Staff members in a memory care community also have special knowledge of the needs of their residents, and can offer assistance on a variety of levels.
The goal is to help residents maintain some independence as long as possible, and to provide a basis for satisfying interaction with others. Meals are generally served in a community setting, with trained nurses and aides available to ensure comfort and care. Assistance with medication and personal grooming needs is an important ingredient of the care provided.
The Cabana at Jensen Dunes is recognized for its exemplary care offered through its assisted living and memory care services. Our program also focuses on the needs of caregivers and relatives, and staff support can be instrumental in reducing the burden that sometimes accompanies the need to move a loved one into memory care.
How to Pay for Memory Care
Some form of community support is sometimes available for at-home care. Respite care, transportation or meal delivery and support groups fall in this category.
Memory care communities, because they provide specialized care, are expensive. Typically, a memory care community will boast a higher staff-to-resident ratio than assisted living, and the staff will have advanced training. The type of care provided is also apt to be hands-on and highly individualized.
For long-term memory care in a specialized community setting, in addition to personal retirement benefits, savings and personal assets, you should consider all the private and government resources that are available, in addition to personal retirement benefits, savings and individual assets. These include:
Insurance
- Medicare or a supplemental insurance policy;
- Disability insurance;
- Retiree medical coverage or group insurance plan;
- Long-term care insurance or life insurance.
Government Help
- Veterans benefits;
- Medicaid
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for workers under age 65
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Tax deductions and credits, such as the Household and Dependent Care Credit
The Alzheimer’s Association provides information about specific services that are available, and the different options for memory care. Although costs will vary by location, the average cost for long-term memory care in an assisted living situation is listed at nearly $52,000 in 2021.
Common Questions to Ask of a Memory Care Community
As you explore the different memory care communities available, you will want some basic questions about each, so that you have a basis of comparison before making a choice.
- Are there daily activities that foster social interaction and involvement of residents? Are enrichment opportunities available — musical programs or pets?
- What about meals?
- What special training does staff have?
- Am I allowed to visit my loved one at any time? May I take my loved one out for an excursion off the premises?
- What special assistance is offered to residents in memory care?
- What medical services are available?
CUSTOM PROGRAMMING
Your life experiences and desires are unique, so all of our programs are adapted to you as an individual. We can support those needing assisted living and those needing the higher level of memory care. We assess and identify your interests and abilities, then build a personalized approach to create meaningful moments in each day.
HELPING HANDS TO HELP MINDS THRIVE
Individuals who build a career at The Cabana at Jensen Dunes’ memory care community at Jensen Beach in Port St. Lucie, FL are filled with optimism and a genuine desire to help others. You don’t just work at The Cabana at Jensen Dunes — you care, motivate and engage. People that are searching for nursing homes, may not understand how important it is to find a memory care community built to support the unique needs of people with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other types of memory impairments.
Training
Our industry-leading memory care training programs teach all team members — even non-clinically licensed employees such as operations, dining or housekeeping — how to compassionately support the day-to-day needs of residents with memory impairments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s while finding ways to engage with them. Our methods and leadership give team members permission to slow down, make connections and gain a deeper understanding of residents’ lives.
Interaction
Every person on the staff — from housekeepers to bookkeepers to the dining and wellness teams — are considered support providers in the memory care community and are trained to go above and beyond. Team members take time to truly get to know each resident and work every day to create moments of joy. Team members are encouraged to blend share personal talents and experiences with the lives of residents, lead group activities and interact on a regular basis. Residents have endless opportunities to stay engaged in positive experiences, yet can always find privacy and quiet time when they need it.
Family
We encourage families to play a key role in engaging residents and rekindling joy and memories. We seek opportunities to preserve the legacy and memories of family members for new generations.
To hear more about how residents here are thriving, contact us today.