Though you and your family hope it’s never necessary, a top nursing home lawyer Rockville MD provides is available if your loved one suffers from neglect or abuse. The attorneys of Cohen and Cohen, P.C. have represented many victims of personal injuries in the last two decades. Sadly, many elderly family members living in healthcare facilities are abused or neglected every year in the United States.

Many families who have cared for their elderly loved ones at home for as long as possible cannot always continue to do so. Very often, this is because the elderly family member requires an increasing level of care as their health declines. Because there are many different types of long term healthcare facilities for seniors, the choices can be confusing. A nursing home lawyer Rockville MD offers may advise families whose elderly loved one was injured, but when choosing a facility for the first time, research is often required. Below is some information about care facilities geared toward seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s Memory Care

Memory care is assisted living or nursing home care for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is also referred to as Dementia Care. Living units may be located within a dedicated memory care facility, or may be a wing or floor separate from other seniors who are higher functioning. Memory care residents may have a private room or live in semi-private apartments. Very often, specially trained staff lead structured activities for memory care residents whose memories are impaired. A Rockville MD nursing home lawyer would probably encourage you to visit a number of facilities in person and be clear about what they offer before making a decision.

The Differences Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

There are different kinds of dementia, and Alzheimer’s is only one type. As a person’s dementia worsens over time, they will require more assistance and a higher level of care. Eventually, they will likely need around the clock supervised care by trained professionals in a protected environment.

In a memory care program, specially trained healthcare professionals can offer customized activities designed to stimulate the residents’ ability to function at maximum normalcy. This can greatly increase the resident’s quality of life as well as reduce medication needs. Because most medications have side effects, a decrease in medication can provide these added benefits:

• A decrease in the number of falls, injuries, and hospital visits. if the side effects include loss of balance or dizziness. If your loved one has suffered a personal injury even as a result of a medication’s side effect, a nursing home lawyer Rockville MD families hire may help you recover your costs.
• Improvement of overall health and wellness
• An increase in sociability
• Increased physical and emotional independence

Considerations When Choosing a Memory Care Facility

A nursing home lawyer Rockville MD clients rate highly might suggest that you get everything the facility tells you in writing. When looking for the right memory care facility for your loved one, keep the following factors in mind:

• Identify and prioritize your elderly family member’s needs
• Consider the available treatments and benefits of any facility
• Research the facility’s reputation, policies, and costs
• Determine if the level of security and safety they offer residents is sufficient for your loved one. If your loved one is injured due to the facility’s negligence, a nursing home lawyer in Rockville MD may be able to help you recover damages.
• Staff to resident ratio
• Impressions of the facility as determined by yourself and your loved one

The Value of Offering Memory Care to Residents with Impaired Memories

Those suffering with memory issues have unique needs in addition to the needs shared by many seniors. When needs are not met, serious consequences can result, which may require legal help from a nursing home lawyer Rockville MD community members rely on. Memory care residents often need the following:

• Around the clock security to prevent wandering off the premises while experiencing periods of confusion
• Structured activities to create positive memory stimulation and emotional care
• Added patience and compassion when the resident is uncooperative or angry
• Sensory-based programming
• High staff to resident ratio
• Color-coded or other decor to assist residents in navigating to their sleeping area, and to reduce anxiety
• Flexible accommodations to handle residents’ transitions from early to advanced stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Services Commonly Provided in Memory Care Facilities

Services will vary by facility, and sometimes within the same facility, based on cost. Be sure to inquire about what exactly is offered. A nursing home lawyer Rockville MD residents trust might suggest that you request a detailed fee schedule. The following are commonly provided services:

• Daily meals prepared by staff and served to residents, usually in a shared eating area
• Comfortable and safe semi-private or private rooms
• Laundry service and general housekeeping
• Physical therapy
• Exercise programs
• Medication management
• Social activities and programs
• Memory stimulation programs
• Personal assistance when required
• Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and other tasks as needed

Memory Care Facility Costs

Because of the advanced level of specially trained personnel needed to staff a memory care facility, the cost tends to be higher than standard senior living communities or assisted living centers. Some of the costs may qualify for a Medicaid subsidy but the burden of costs will probably fall to out-of-pocket financing. Costs will vary depending on these factors:

• Geographical area and the cost of real estate in that area
• The level of care required by your loved one
• The size and privacy level of the personal living or sleeping unit

A Nursing Home Lawyer Rockville MD Counts On

If your loved one has suffered any form of abuse or neglect by caregivers, do not delay in seeking justice. Our legal team has helped thousands of victims collect restitution for their suffering. Contact the attorneys of Cohen and Cohen, P.C. if you would like to consult a nursing home lawyer Rockville MD is proud to have in the community.