Memory Care near Victoria, BC

Memory Care in Victoria, BC

As seniors get older, one of the challenges they may face is chronic memory ailments such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Memory impairments can be overwhelming for families to care for on their own, so sometimes it makes sense for families to place their loved ones in a retirement home that specializes in memory care. There are several options available to families in Victoria, so it comes down to what makes the most sense for your loved one.

More About Victoria

Victoria sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and it is the community of choice for many people in the area. The city offers a temperate climate, natural beauty, recreational activities, and plenty of economic opportunities. It offers a rare blend of heritage and modern cityscapes, and it draws in over three million visitors annually. Despite the business of the city, it's still a great place to raise a family, start a business, or retire. The city was named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, and it is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. It is often referred to as "The Garden City," and it's peaceful beauty makes it one of the top twenty cities to live, in the world, for quality of life.

Memory Care Options

When your loved one begins displaying signs of memory deterioration, it's time to consider your memory care options. There are three distinct options: home health care, assisted living, or retirement homes. Each one has their advantages, and it ultimately depends on the level of care that your loved one needs. Home health care can be a costly option, but sometimes works well for aging seniors because it gives them familiar surroundings to live in while receiving the memory care they need. When it comes to memory care, familiarity is a good tool to use. If home health care isn't an option, you might consider assisted living. Many communities specialize in memory care specifically, and can provide your loved one with a social environment they would not have living on their own. The final option is a retirement home, which is more focused on specific medical care than the other options.

Warning Signs

Some change in memory is normal as seniors age, but dementia and Alzheimer's are more than just simple lapses in memory. In fact, those who develop Alzheimer's or dementia also experience difficulty in communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning. There are some warning signs you can watch out for as your loved one ages.

• Memory loss that seems excessive or severe.
• Trouble with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, or dressing.
• Difficulty with writing or speaking.
• Confusion with time and place.
• Decreased capacity for making sound judgments.
• Misplacing things and unable to retrace steps.
• Changes in mood or behavior.
• Withdrawing from social activities.

Memory Care Costs

Families really should plan ahead when it comes to the care of their aging loved ones, but unfortunately, many families don't. By the time seniors reach the point where they need additional assistance and care, families are left scrambling to pay for such services. Memory care requires a larger staff to resident ratio, and the staff will need additional training to ensure the safety of each resident. These two factors alone mean that memory care communities are usually more expensive than other communities. Additional factors that affect the price include level of care needed, size of room requested, whether the room is private or shared, and the location of the facility. In general, families can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000 per month, with an average expense for a single room being about $5,000.

Your loved one will face many changes as they age, but one of the most frightening to them is the loss of their memory. It often confuses the elderly, and makes them feel insecure about themselves. When that happens, they often withdraw which only makes things worse. However, your loved one can lead a comfortable life, even while managing their memory impairments. Victoria offers plenty of options to aging seniors and their loved ones. When you visit each community, be sure to ask questions and determine the level of care your loved one actually needs. This will ensure that you do not spend more than you need to, and that you find the community that fits your loved one best.