As our population ages, many families seek dementia care options for their loved ones. If you live in the western area of Edmond, Oklahoma—north of Oklahoma City—there are plenty of excellent dementia care options available. But what exactly is dementia, and where is the best place for someone with dementia? Also, how much is dementia care in Oklahoma?
Let’s look at these questions and discover how to find high-quality Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Edmond, Ok.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a group of brain disorders that cause changes in memory, thinking, behavior, and communication. These changes begin mild and progress to severe. Some forgetfulness is normal with age. However, forgetfulness and confusion affecting daily living activities are not normal.
Memory loss from a type of dementia can hinder activities such as:
- Walking
- Talking
- Eating
- Living independently
There are many types of dementia, including:
- Alzheimer’s
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementias
- Mixed dementia
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and affects over six million Americans. Nearly 11 percent of seniors live with Alzheimer’s. However, other forms of dementia affect individuals to varying degrees.
Vascular Dementia is caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain due to a stroke or series of small strokes. Lewy Body dementia often causes Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms, including movement issues and difficulty with complex tasks.
Frontotemporal dementia typically peaks between ages 45-64. Its effects lead to changes in behavior, personality, and language abilities. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare but quickly progressing form of dementia.
It is important to understand that each type of dementia has different symptoms and needs different treatments. Although these forms can be frightening and debilitating, many people find ways to manage symptoms. Family caregivers and memory care facilities help maintain a person’s quality of life.
Does my loved one have dementia?
It is never easy to consider the possibility that a loved one may be facing the onset of dementia. However, recognizing the signs earlier can help them get proper support and treatment. Some of the common signs and symptoms of dementia include:
- Forgetting familiar words or people’s names
- Difficulty understanding complex information
- Abrupt behavior changes
- Personal hygiene issues
- Becoming confused in unfamiliar places
- Impulsivity or difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding social situations
Reach out to a doctor at the first sign of dementia. An early assessment and diagnosis can lead to better outcomes by planning for the future. It is possible to make living with dementia manageable and meaningful.
Most cases of dementia follow a three-stage trajectory from mild to severe. People usually discover their dementia in the mild or moderate stages.
The mild stage is when the first signs of forgetfulness become noticeable; people often forget names and important dates, struggle with everyday tasks like running errands, and require more prompting from family members or other caregivers.
Short-term memory gets worse in the moderate stage. Decision-making becomes more complex, and people may show signs of confusion and disorientation. The severe stage is when symptoms of dementia significantly impact someone’s quality of life. Loved ones will likely need full-time care to manage basic daily living activities.
Where is the best place for someone with dementia?
When it comes to finding the best place for someone with dementia, it depends on their individual needs. Some people may require around-the-clock supervision, while others may do better with less intensive care.
In either case, memory care communities like StoneCreek of Edmond offer specialized programs designed specifically for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“When I see these patients who are adamant about staying in the home and there at home by themselves,” says April Wiechmann, Neuropsychologist and Clinical Medical Director, “I’m fearful that it’s [dementia] going to progress at a faster rate.”
Socialization is crucial to staying active and continuing a form of independence. Family caregivers often don’t factor in physical and social activities to maintain a high quality of life. Assisted living and memory care communities like StoneCreek of Edmond provide individualized care plans that address each resident’s physical, social, and emotional needs.
Memory care provides access to supportive services such as physical and occupational therapy. Stimulating activities keep residents moving and engaged throughout the day.
The Cottage at StoneCreek of Edmond offers socialization opportunities through group activities like music therapy or art classes in a secure and calming setting. Much of the goal of memory care is to help reduce feelings of isolation among residents who often feel socially isolated due to their dementia.
Signature programs like Dementia Live and the Sagely app help keep family members involved, empathetic, and up-to-date.
How much is dementia care in Oklahoma?
Experts find that dementia care in Oklahoma averages about $4,819 per month. That cost is nearly $1,000 less than the national average for memory care.
There is about a 20-30 percent increase in price for this form of senior care compared to assisted living. Memory care is a form of long-term care performed by trained dementia care specialists.
Senior living, including memory care, offers older adults and their families a lot of value and a lot less hassle.
Visit Memory Care Near You in Edmond, OK
StoneCreek of Edmond offers a wide range of specialized services for those with dementia. Contact our local dementia care experts to set up a tour near you.
