Memory Care In New Orleans,LA
Find local care advisors
Quick Navigation
On The Page
Find the Best Memory Care Near New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, memory care facilities are long-term care homes with the purpose of treating and caring for people in early to late state dementia or related memory concerns. These properties employ certified staff trained to work with dementia patients around the clock to care for resident needs or help de-escalate aggression or escape-seeking behavior. Memory care facilities are secured for resident protection and to prevent wandering. Some may be part of a larger assisted living facility, allowing residents to easily transition, while others are solely dedicated to dementia care.
Types of Memory Care
Many people may think that Alzheimer’s Disease is the same as dementia. However, dementia is associated with several kinds of memory loss diseases, of which Alzheimer’s is just one. Memory care communities treat people with different diagnoses per their doctor’s instructions.
Common dementia conditions of people in memory care homes include:
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Mixed dementia
Memory care properties may also accept residents with chronic medical conditions that involve cognitive decline, like:
- Huntington’s disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A low staff-to-patient ratio facilitates greater personal attention for memory care community residents. These facilities also have programs designed to help slow cognitive decline and enhance the residents’ quality of life, such as sensory stimulation involving music therapy or aromatherapy. Occupational and speech therapies are often offered on-site, as well. Some communities even have pet therapy programs for residents.
The physical set-up of a New Orleans memory care property is as important as the programs it offers. Lighting and background noise are muted, to reduce disorientation and anxiety, and places like the kitchen, swimming pool, and storage areas are locked. The common areas may have cameras or emergency call buttons, and private residences are designed for ease of mobility and will have a call button, too.
Your New Orleans, LA Senior Living Advisor
Germaine Simon
New Orleans, La.
As an Assisted Living Locators Senior Care Advisor, I make sure seniors and their families receive the support, assistance and resolution needed to manage the life transition they are facing. I have a network of fully vetted assisted living solutions and care providers throughout the greater New Orleans area that share one common characteristic -- excellence in care.
What is the Cost of Memory Care in New Orleans, LA
Memory care facility costs in New Orleans average $4,648 per month, although each facility has a different pricing structure according to the memory care activities and amenities provided. Memory care accommodations are typically higher in price than other types of eldercare due to the higher number of staff members and the more extensive care provided for residents. If your loved one transitions from an assisted living community to a memory care unit, then it’s likely the costs will increase.
A memory care community in New Orleans provides private accommodations, light housekeeping, and laundry for residents, along with nutritional meals and specialized therapies. Professionally trained caregivers are present 24-7 to help residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs), as many memory care residents may not be able to care for themselves independently.
Common ADLs that individuals in a memory care facility may need help with include:
- Redirection and reminders
- Mobility assistance, including transfers from bed to sitting or standing
- Help with eating
- Bathing, grooming, and getting dressed
- Escorts to meals or activities
- Medication management
Each resident has an individual care plan, which details the activities they need help with and any other care notes, such as their diagnosis, doctor’s orders, and preferences that can help them feel more comfortable. If their needs change or their condition worsens, their care and plan will be altered to meet those needs.
What Should Every Senior Know About Living in New Orleans, LA?
New Orleans, “The Big Easy,” is the largest city in Louisiana, located at the mouth of the Mississippi River on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a cosmopolitan city and a mix of several cultures, including French, Spanish, African, and Native American. Although it’s known for the raucous Mardi Gras festivals, there is more to New Orleans than a party. It’s close to many major highways and an international airport, so families have options when traveling to see a loved one in memory care.
New Orleans Weather & Climate
New Orleans weather is warm and wet, with 64 inches of rainfall each year and summer high temperatures reaching the low 90s. Winters are mild, with no snow, and January lows average about 45 degrees.
Local Hospitals & Notable Medical Care
New Orleans has world-class health care and hospitals, including the award-winning Tulane Medical Center, affiliated with Tulane University. It provides emergency and leading-edge specialty care. Or, seniors may choose to receive treatment at LCMC Health, a non-profit health system consisting of six sister hospitals.
Transportation
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority operates fixed-route bus lines, streetcars in downtown and the French quarter, and ferries throughout the metro area. Seniors may receive a discounted pass, and handicapped-accessible shuttles are available for those who qualify.
Arts, Culture & Recreation
Families visiting New Orleans may wish to take in a performing arts show at one of the area’s local theaters. Families may opt for a quiet park near their New Orleans memory care community when escorting their loved ones.
How Do I Pay for Memory Care in New Orleans, LA?
Finding ways to pay for memory care can be challenging for many families. A local New Orleans memory care advisor can help you find benefits and programs for which your loved one may be eligible.
Veteran's Benefits
Military veterans and surviving spouses may apply for programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs to help pay for long-term care, memory care, or other services. These are the Improved Pension Program and the Aid and Attendance Benefit. The eligibility and application process for each is different, so contact a New Orleans VA Center for information and help to apply on behalf of your senior.
Spend Down
Louisiana’s Medicaid program has an income eligibility cap of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For people whose monthly income makes them financially ineligible for Medicaid benefits, the state offers a “spend down” program, in which their extra monthly income can be used to pay for medical bills until they reach the threshold of eligibility for Medicaid. A local New Orleans memory care advisor can help you better understand the process.
Home Equity
New Orleans homeowners may be able to use the equity they built up in their homes to pay for memory care. Ask your local memory care advocate how home equity may be used for memory care fees.
Medicare
Traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover memory care accommodations. However, there are Supplemental Medicare plans that may cover some therapy and memory care services. Check your loved one’s coverage to see if they’re eligible.
Medicaid
Louisiana Medicaid administers a Medicaid Waiver to help pay long-term care costs, including a memory care property. This program, the Community Choices Waiver (CCW), may be used to help pay for memory care. Ask your local New Orleans memory care advocate for more information about this program.
Care assessment tool
Access our free senior care assessment tool, which can help you evaluate the specific needs and requirements of you or your loved one. By answering a series of questions, you’ll receive personalised recommendations and insights to aid in the decision-making process.
Take the AssessmentFAQ About Memory Care in New Orleans, LA
Yes! Virtual tours are a great way to get a feel for different communities and narrow down choices. Local memory care advisors can arrange in-person tours when you find a few memory care properties you like.
Both types of properties offer room and board for residents and help with ADLs. Nursing homes provide 24-7 medical care, including helping patients recovering from surgery or who have a chronic medical condition. On the other hand, memory care communities are care properties dedicated exclusively to treating people with cognitive decline.
Many New Orleans memory care communities are pet-friendly, and the staff there may help residents walk and care for their pets. Each property has its own regulations, so ask your local memory care advisor about which memory care properties near me allow pets.
Memory Care in Cities Near You
