Memory Care In Portland, ME
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Find the Best Memory Care Near Portland ME, ME
Portland, ME, memory care facilities are long-term residential communities exclusively for aging adults with dementia and cognitive decline. Professionally trained caregivers are on hand around the clock to help de-escalate angry outbursts, soothe anxious behavior, and provide reminders and redirection for residents. Some memory care communities are part of assisted living facilities, allowing current residents to transition if they develop dementia, while other Portland memory care properties are independent dementia care facilities.
Types of Memory Care
Since Alzheimer’s Disease is so commonly known, many people think it’s the proper name for dementia. However, dementia has several forms, of which Alzheimer’s Disease is just one. Memory care facilities in Portland accept residents with several forms of dementia, each with other symptoms in addition to cognitive decline, including:
- Mixed Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia, and
- Alzheimer’s Disease
Some memory care communities may also treat residents who experience cognitive decline as a symptom of a different chronic condition, like:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Memory care facilities are designed to promote as much independence as residents are capable of, while still protecting against the tendency to wander, which is common with dementia. Exterior doors and staff-only areas, like storage rooms and the kitchen, are secured. Many properties have open floor plans and clear directions to resident spaces, like recreation rooms, the dining room, and private quarters. Short, wide hallways reduce confusion and make navigating easier for residents with mobility challenges.
Portland memory care communities often provide services in-site to help slow cognitive decline, such as music and art therapy or other programs intended to help bring forth memories. Other benefits include speech and occupational therapy, which can help aging adults preserve their faculties. Some communities may offer programs like pet therapy to help seniors feel a sense of purpose.
Your Portland ME, ME Senior Living Advisor
Shawn Shambo
Serving York & Cumberland Counties, including areas surrounding Brunswick, Greater Portland, and South to Kittery.
Looking for senior housing or an assisted living facility can be a daunting task and very stressful. With over 30 years experience as a senior care specialist, I can help you find the best fit in senior living and care. I will personally choose the best options, tour each facility with you, doing everything possible to help make your decision an informed one, all made as simple as possible.
What is the Cost of Memory Care in Portland ME, ME
The cost of memory care in Portland, ME, is $7,634 per month on average. Each property’s fees is slightly more or less than the average, often depending on which services are included with monthly costs. Overall, memory care facilities are more expensive than other types of senior living communities, such as assisted living.
Portland memory care facilities provide a private or semi-private room for each resident, laundry and linen, and housekeeping services. Meals are also included, with some dietary accommodations. Some residents are physically unable to eat in the dining room or feed themselves, so caregivers provide room service and eating assistance as appropriate.
Other activities of daily living (ADLs) caregivers assist with include:
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Personal grooming, like trimming nails and shaving
- Showering and bathing
- Redirection and reminders
- Mobility assistance, lifts, and transfers from bed to a wheelchair
Many Portland memory care communities create a care plan for residents that includes their doctor’s treatment plan for their specific dementia diagnosis, level of cognitive decline, and other health conditions or medication management needs they require. Some plans may include certain ADLs the senior typically needs help with, but residents still receive support for unlisted ADLs.
What Should Every Senior Know About Living in Portland, ME?
As the largest city in Maine, Portland has plenty to offer residents and visitors. Fresh seafood, rocky beaches, and historical lighthouses make this coastal city unique, from the Old Port to the Western Promenade. However, families should note that Maine isn’t particularly tax-friendly for seniors. Although Social Security income is tax-exempt, there is state income tax levied on retirement withdrawals and pensions.
Portland Weather & Climate
Portland summers are mild and pleasant, with 225 days of sunshine each year and average temperatures close to 80 degrees. Winters are quite cold and snowy, though, with an average snowfall of about 60 inches each year and January lows averaging 11 degrees.
Local Hospitals & Notable Medical Care
Memory care residents in Portland have several options for medical treatment, such as Northern Light Mercy Hospital, with emergency and outpatient care, and Maine Medical Center, which is a 637-bed teaching hospital connected with the prestigious Tufts University.
Transportation
Greater Portland Metro is Portland’s public transit system, operating bus routes throughout the city and suburbs. It offers ADA-compliant transportation on-demand for seniors who qualify, although an application is required.
Arts, Culture & Recreation
The First Friday Art Walk is a popular event for locals and visitors alike. It’s in downtown Portland and features emerging local artists. The Museum of African Culture features different rotating exhibits throughout the year, as well as permanent fixed displays. Families visiting a loved one in memory care may like taking them to the coast or on a tour of one of the area’s lighthouses.
How Do I Pay for Memory Care in Portland, ME?
When families begin looking at memory care communities for their loved ones, the question that often arises is whether there are ways to help pay for the monthly fees. If you are wondering how to pay for a loved one’s memory care, a local Portland memory care advisor can help you learn more about programs and benefits to help seniors pay for memory care.
Veteran's Benefits
If your loved one is a military veteran or the surviving spouse of one, they are likely eligible for the Improved Pension Plan, which can pay for memory care room and board, and the Aid and Assistance Benefit, which can help pay for services provided in Portland memory care properties. Check with a local VA Center about how you can enroll your loved one in these programs.
Home Equity
Portland homeowners who have paid off their mortgage can use their home’s equity to pay for memory care. A local memory care advisor can help you determine if this is a viable option for your loved one.
Spend Down
Maine Medicaid has a maximum income limit for eligibility, which is $2,523/month and $5,046/month for married couples. Seniors with monthly incomes that exceed this can still apply for Medicaid after using the state’s “spend down” program. If they can spend the difference between the income limit and their monthly income on medical care and treatments, Medicaid will consider them for services.
Medicare
Seniors who have enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B may enroll in optional Medicare Gap plans, which cover services outside Traditional Medicare, like some services in memory care. Check your loved one’s Medicare coverage to see if they are enrolled in one of these plans.
Medicaid
Portland seniors enrolled in MaineCare, Maine’s Medicaid program, may use Medicaid to pay for memory care accommodations through a long-term care waiver. The waiver allows Medicaid recipients who require a nursing home level of care to choose another qualifying type of facility, like memory care properties, to receive care and services. A local Portland memory care advocate can help you learn more about this benefit.
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 Portland ME, ME
Generally speaking, yes. Under HIPAA regulations, memory care fees and services are considered deductible medical expenses. To qualify, the individual is under the care of a licensed physician and has a specific care plan. And, the individual is unable to complete at least two ADLs independently. Nearly all memory care residents meet these two requirements. Ask a local memory care advisor for more information about deducting memory care costs.
Start with asking a local Portland memory care advocate for advice. They help you determine which facilities can take care of a resident with your loved one’s diagnosis and will learn more about your preferences for care. Local memory care advisors can help you narrow down choices for each facility and point out the benefits of each one. They’ll also arrange virtual and in-person tours to fit your schedule.
Many memory care communities do not permit residents to keep pets in their rooms, although some may offer pet therapy during the day. Others may allow family members to bring their loved one’s pet on visiting days, but each memory care facility has its own rules about pets. Ask a local memory care advisor about the pet policies for different communities.
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