It’s been called “The Long Goodbye.” And those with loved ones diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s know just what those words mean. Alzheimer’s, one of the most common forms of dementia, often begins with forgetfulness and reaching for words and ends in death. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
Family members turn into caregivers and the uncertainty and concern for the afflicted loved one’s safety and well being grows. The toll can be exacting on caregivers as they wrestle with the day-to-day tasks and their own well being.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and one in three seniors will die from Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The senior housing industry has responded by offering designated memory care buildings, in addition to skilled care nursing homes and secured assisted living facilities.
In the Chicago area, approximately 125 properties with 4,100 units offer memory care, and about 1,150 new units are under way.
Memory care is the term applied to specialized treatment for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website, alz.org, for information, guidance, support and education. While the Alzheimer’s Association does not endorse facilities, it does offer a database of skilled nursing facilities that families can research on their own at communityresourcefinder.org.
