When you have a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be an emotionally challenging time.
The fear of the unknown and the burden of care can weigh heavily on your heart. Family caregivers often grapple with questions like, “How can I provide the best care for my loved one? What services are available to assist me?”
Two common options are:
- Temporary respite with day care for seniors with dementia
- Long-term memory care
Both senior care options offer unique benefits but serve different needs.
Continue reading to understand these two care services better. Make an informed decision that best fits your loved one’s needs.
Adult Day Care for People With Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Adult day care for dementia, a community-based health service, provides daytime care for seniors with cognitive impairment.
These centers offer a secure environment where seniors can participate in planned activities, receive personal care, and enjoy social interaction.
The day program typically includes:
- Meals
- Socialization
- Therapeutic activities
- Occasionally, general health services or check-ups
Adult day care services are ideal for family members who juggle caregiving responsibilities with other commitments, offering them respite care during the day.
The Benefits of Long-Term Memory Care at Sage Oak of Denton
In contrast to adult day care centers, long-term memory care communities like Sage Oak of Denton offer round-the-clock care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Our community-based assisted living focuses on enhancing the quality of life for residents, providing personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs.
Our expert team conducts regular assessments to monitor cognitive decline, adjusting care plans accordingly. We offer a broad range of services, including assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and 24-hour supervision.
We have been recognized for organizing therapeutic activities designed to slow cognitive decline and boost overall well-being. Some include:
- Secure outdoor areas
- Easy to navigate common areas
- Natural lighting
- Engagement
- Music therapy
Comparing the Costs
The cost of adult day services and long-term memory care can vary significantly. Adult day care tends to be less expensive as it is a part-time service, whereas memory care at an assisted living community like Sage Oak of Denton is more comprehensive, offering 24/7 care.
On a national scale, the average cost for an adult day center is $1,690 per month. Memory care services average $5,625 per month.
Cost services vary, from social activities and meals in a dementia day program to round-the-clock dementia care in a memory care facility.
In Texas, the costs are generally lower. The average cost for day centers is $769 per month, and the average for dementia care services is $4,998 per month.
While these numbers may initially seem high, it’s crucial to consider what they represent. They’re not just costs but investments in your loved one’s health, well-being, and quality of life.
They cover:
- Continuous support
- Professional health care
- Social engagement
- Nutritious meals
- A community setting that can significantly enhance your loved one’s quality of life
Furthermore, comparing these costs to the expenses associated with at-home care—such as home modifications, medical equipment, and the potential loss of income from reducing work hours or quitting jobs to provide care—can give a different perspective.
The Struggles of Being a Family Caregiver
Being a family caregiver is rewarding but can also be overwhelming. Balancing personal responsibilities with caregiving duties often leads to stress and burnout. Adult day care services can provide temporary respite, but they don’t eliminate the challenges of:
- Night-time care
- Emergencies
- The emotional toll
Recent statistics reveal that approximately 11 million Americans provide unpaid Alzheimer’s care for a family member.
This love-filled labor often requires caregivers to spend an average of 13 days each month on tasks such as:
- Shopping
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Transportation
- Managing medication
On top of this, caregivers spend an average of 6 days per month on activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, and mobility.
The Invisible Clock: Time Spent on Caregiving
When we delve into the hours spent on caregiving, the invisible clock of a caregiver becomes more apparent.
Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing support. Nearly one in four caregivers spend 41 hours or more per week on caregiving tasks.
For those caring for someone with dementia, the time commitment intensifies, with primary family caregivers spending an average of nine hours per day providing help to their relatives, says the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Emotional Toll: Caregiver Burnout
All these hours add up, not just in time, but in an emotional toll. The term “caregiver burnout” has been coined to describe the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that caregivers often experience.
It’s a state of fatigue or stress resulting from the persistent responsibility of caring for a loved one. This burnout can lead to changes in attitude, from being positive and caring to feeling negative and unconcerned.
Caregiver burnout is dangerous not just for the caregivers and the person with memory loss. An exhausted caregiver may struggle to provide quality care, leading to potential mistakes or neglect.
Nearly one-quarter of Alzheimer’s caregivers provide care for a child. In that time, a home caregiver could spend four to eight years caring for a relative with dementia.
With so much time and energy devoted to caregiving, personal lives often take a backseat. Caregiving responsibilities have a significant impact on caregivers’ daily lives. They no longer have time for rest or respite. This reduction can lead to a lack of self-care, social isolation, and decreased physical health.
The struggles of being a family caregiver go beyond the surface. It’s not just about the hours spent or the tasks performed. It’s about the:
- Emotional drain
- Physical exhaustion
- Sacrifices made
But remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
At Sage Oak of Denton, we understand these challenges and are here to offer support. Our long-term memory care services provide professional, compassionate care for your loved ones. Let us allow you to rest, recharge, and focus on being a family member again.
Making the Choice
Ultimately, the choice between adult day care for dementia and long-term memory care depends on the specific needs of your loved one and your family. Consider factors like:
- The level of care required
- Your availability as a caregiver
- Your loved one’s preferences
- Your financial capacity
At Sage Oak of Denton, we’re here to assist you in navigating these choices and ensuring that your loved one receives the all-inclusive and professional care they deserve.
Contact Sage Oak of Denton
Deciding on a loved one’s care is never easy, but understanding your options can make this process more manageable. Whether you choose adult day care or long-term memory care, the most important thing is that your loved one feels supported.
Contact us to discuss the comforting memory care options in Denton, TX.