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Memory Care In Columbia, SC

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Find the Best Memory Care Near Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC, memory care facilities are long-term senior living properties dedicated to caring for aging adults in cognitive decline. Caregivers are on hand day and night to help provide gentle redirection and reminders for residents and help curb escape-seeking behaviors or soothe anxious outbursts. Some memory care communities are part of a larger assisted living facility and allow residents to move to a higher level of care without leaving a familiar environment. Other properties are stand-alone facilities exclusively for memory care.

Types of Memory Care

Memory care properties in Columbia treat aging adults with many types of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s Disease. Each form of dementia has its own symptoms and treatments, and residents are cared for accordingly.

Many memory care residents have one of these types of dementia:

  • Lewy Body Dementia
  • Frontotemporal dementia
  • Mixed Dementia
  • Alzheimer’s Disease

Some memory care facilities also accommodate residents with cognitive decline stemming from other medical conditions, such as:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Columbia memory care properties are constructed with the needs of aging adults in mind, with open floor plans and wide hallways for ease of mobility. Many have clear directions to the dining room, library, recreation areas, and bathrooms to reduce confusion. Muted lighting and low background noise can help create a soothing ambiance. The exterior doors are secure, and spaces like the kitchen, staff areas, and storage areas are controlled with electronic passkeys to protect wandering residents from getting hurt.

Programs and services in memory care differ from those in other types of senior living. Each activity is intended to help residents retain their abilities and slow cognitive decline. Speech, physical, and occupational therapy are often provided on-site. In addition, programs like art and music therapy can improve seniors’ quality of life. Some communities may also offer animal therapy or aromatherapy.

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What is the Cost of Memory Care in Columbia, SC

The average monthly cost for memory care in Columbia is $3,826. However, each property will have a slightly different monthly price depending on the services or amenities it provides. Some properties offer all-inclusive pricing, while others have tiered pricing structures with various services included. Memory care properties usually have higher fees than other senior living options due to the higher level of service and care and additional certifications for caregivers.

Columbia memory care properties provide a private or semi-private room for residents, with housekeeping and laundry services included. Meals are served daily, prepared with the needs of aging adults in mind. Provision is also made for residents who need room service delivery for meals or help to eat. In addition, professionally trained caregivers are on hand around the clock to assist residents with activities of daily living, including:

  • Grooming, bathing, and personal care
  • Selecting appropriate clothes and dressing
  • Help with mobility, such as transfers, lifts, and escorts to meals or activities
  • Diabetic care and medication management
  • Using the bathroom
  • Transportation and escorts to doctor’s appointments

Every memory care senior has their own care plan, including physicians’ recommendations for treating their specific dementia diagnosis and any other health concerns. Care plans can be adjusted as the resident’s needs change and may include particular ADLs that they need assistance with. However, staff members can help with any ADL, even without care plan directives.

What Should Every Senior Know About Living in Columbia, SC?

Columbia is the capital of South Carolina, located in the central part of the state. Older adults benefit from convenient access to government offices and world-class health care. Families visiting their loved ones may use the airport or one of several nearby highways to travel here. In addition, South Carolina has an income tax structure that benefits seniors, exempting Social Security income from taxation and offering a $15,000 deduction on other retirement income.

Columbia Weather & Climate

Columbia summers are long, humid, and hot, with July high temperatures in the 90s, which seniors sensitive to the cold may appreciate. Winters are mild, with January low temperatures in the 30s and rare snow.

Local Hospitals & Notable Medical Care

Seniors in Columbia have several high-quality healthcare options, including Prisma Health Richland, a teaching hospital, and Lexington Medical Center, with a 500-bed hospital and several affiliate treatment centers.

Transportation

Columbia’s public transportation system, Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET), has bus routes that connect Columbia, Lexington County, Richmond County, and the City of Forest Acres. Seniors and military veterans may receive reduced fares. The COMET also offers paratransit, on-demand rides for those who qualify.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a popular destination for natives and visitors alike, featuring botanical gardens and animal enclosures. In addition, families may enjoy escorting their loved ones in memory care to the Congaree National Park, which has gentle walking trails running along the Congaree River.

How Do I Pay for Memory Care in Columbia, SC?

When you start looking for a memory care community for your loved one, a local Columbia memory care advisor can help. Many families may benefit from learning more about programs or benefits that can help pay for memory care fees, and your memory care advisor can help you learn more about them.

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Veteran's Benefits

Military veterans and surviving spouses may apply for the Improved Pension Program and the Aid and Assistance Benefit, two programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs that can help pay for memory care accommodations and services. A local VA Center representative can help you learn more and apply on behalf of your senior.

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Home Equity

Columbia homeowners may use their home equity to pay for memory care. Ask a local memory care advisor how to convert home equity to pay for memory care fees.

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Spend Down

South Carolina Medicaid has a maximum monthly income requirement for eligibility of $2,523 per person. However, seniors who have a higher monthly income may still be able to qualify for Medicaid through the “spend down” program. Under this program, seniors may be able to spend the difference between their monthly income and the Medicaid income cap on medical care and treatments until they reach the eligibility threshold. Ask a local Columbia memory care advocate for more information about the spend-down process.

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Medicare

Traditional Medicare doesn’t cover memory care costs or services, but some optional Medicare Gap plans may. Check your loved one’s insurance coverage to see if they’re covered by one of these plans.

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Medicaid

South Carolina Medicaid, Healthy Choices, offers a nursing home waiver program, the Home and Community Based Wavier, that elderly adults may use to pay for memory care fees. The wavier is open to those who require a nursing-home level of care but would prefer to receive services in another facility, like a Columbia memory care property.

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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.

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FAQ About Memory Care in Columbia, SC

Nursing homes provide 24-7 nursing care for individuals with chronic health conditions or who are unable to care for themselves. Medical care is provided on-site. On the other hand, memory care communities exclusively treat seniors with dementia and cognitive decline. While some medication management is offered in memory care, on-site medical care is not.

Many memory care facilities do not allow pets, although some may offer animal therapy for residents. Your local Columbia memory care advisor can help you find communities that are pet-friendly or that may allow families to bring a pet on visiting days.

A great first step to locating a suitable memory care property is to contact a local Columbia memory care advocate. They can help you understand what your loved one needs and connect you with properties that offer appropriate services. Memory care advisors also help you understand how to apply for residence, pricing structures, and community policies for memory care residents.