Frequently Asked Questions

Memory Care FAQs

Are behavioral changes normal with dementia?

Behavioral changes are most likely symptoms of the disease.

When do you know it’s time to move a parent to a Memory Care facility?

It may be time to consider a move is when you begin to feel stress as a caregiver. It’s common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed in keeping up daily commitments while providing care for their parents or spouse.
It may be time to move your parent to a memory care facility is when they are no longer safe at home. This includes the possibility of them wandering and not finding their way home, and balance issues which may make them a greater risk for falls.
A decline in health is another sign that it may be time to consider a move to a memory care community. As memory loss sets in, so does the decline in your loved one’s ability to care for themselves. Often, people with dementia forget to eat, take medications, and care for themselves properly. This can lead to weight loss, neglected personal hygiene, and a hunched over appearance.
Once an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis has been made, it is important to begin talking with your spouse or parent and looking for a memory care unit that will best meet their needs. While an immediate move may not be necessary, it is helpful to get their input while they may still be part of the decision making process.

Studies have shown that it is best to have your loved one move into a memory care community before more dangerous signs and symptoms surface. Additionally, moving to memory care in the earlier stages of the disease may make the transition much easier for all those involved.

What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is just one type of dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms which affect mental cognition such as memory and reasoning. Dementia is not a specific disease, rather an overall term. Symptoms include memory decline, poor judgment, a decreased attention span, decline in communication skills, and can include increased paranoia.

What kind of activities and programs do you have?

We strive to provide engaging and purposeful activities, geared to each resident abilities and desires. We focus on exercise, music and art therapies, recreational outings, and social gatherings. We try to tap into those activities that our residents enjoyed before they moved to our community.

How much personal assistance will my parent get?

Each memory care resident has a personalized care plan to determine the level of assistance needed. If necessary, additional services can be added.

Does Sharmar Village have private rooms?

Yes, we offer private apartments. Please contact our staff for more information.

Is your staff trained in dementia care?

Our staff is trained regularly in dementia care.

How long can my loved one stay in Memory Care, and what would precipitate a move to a higher level of care?

Because our Alzheimer’s unit is assisted care, extreme changes in behavior, including physical aggression, unmanageable incontinence or mobility issues- the inability to transfer-could precipitate a move to a higher level of care.

Can I take my loved one home for a visit or out for lunch?

We do not restrict home visits or outings but realize that home visits may be an emotional challenge for both the resident and their family members. It also may become more challenging to take a loved one out in public places, especially to restaurants where sights and sounds can become magnified and confusing in an unfamiliar setting.

How often can I visit?

There is no rule of thumb. Visits from family members usually provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for our residents, but occasionally they are upsetting. In that case, we may ask that you refrain from frequent visits for a short time.

Should I tell my loved one beforehand if I decide to move them to Memory Care?

Again, this depends on your loved one’s level of cognition, and how you think she may accept the news. It’s usually best to avoid anticipation anxiety by not telling her that she will be moving until very close to the date. Moving anticipation anxiety may cause negative feelings which may escalate into extreme behaviors.

Do you provide respite care?

Yes we do! We offer both day programming and overnight stays for caregiver respite.

Assisted Living FAQs

Are there any one bedroom apartments?

Yes, we offer one bedroom apartments. Contact us for availability.

Do you have a wait list?

It is common that we do. Contact us for availability.

If my loved one moves to a studio, can they be on a waitlist for a bigger room?

Absolutely! Our in- house residents have priority when a room of their choice becomes available.

How much does it cost?

The cost varies with the size of the apartments. In Assisted Living, we have several apartment sizes to choose from, including 8 different sized studios, several 1 bedroom options, and several one bedrooms with dens.

What are the lease terms?

Leases are month to month.

Will Medicare pay for it? Will insurance pay for it? Will the VA help?

Medicare will not pay for Assisted Living. Once qualified, long term care policies will pay for Assisted Living, and the Veterans Aid and Attendance program provides benefits that reduce the cost of care for veterans and surviving spouses who require assisted living.

How much care is offered?

Each resident moving into Sharmar Village Care Center has an individual, personalized care plan. Our services are offered a la carte. As needs change, additional services can be added.

Do you have levels of care?

No. Our services vary according to need, and residents pay a la carte for the services they require.

Can you stay in assisted living for the rest of your life and add more services?

We hope so! If a move to a higher level of care may be necessary, we are a continuum of care community, and it is possible to move to our long term care for more services.

What activities are offered?

We have a wide variety of activities on campus. Please see our activities calendar online.

Can we provide our own furniture?

Absolutely.

Will someone help my parent find their way around?

Absolutely. We’re all here to help!

Do you provide transportation?

We provide transportation to all scheduled medical appointments.

How do I convince a loved one to leave home when they aren’t ready?

Even though your loved one may not want to admit it, they still realize on some level that they are not able to do all the things that they used to do. Avoid pressure, encourage her to be a part of the decision process, but let them know you are going to start looking into places that they might want to consider “down the road.” You may also want to point out that if they continue to stay in their home and their health declines, their options will be much more limited. Gather information, tour a few communities to determine which may be the best fit. Once you’ve narrowed it down, bring your loved one along for a visit. Sample activities and ask to stay for lunch!