What You Need to Know About Memory Care Facilities in Wisconsin

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are devastating, both for the patients and their families. People suffering from these medical conditions can no longer care for themselves. Gradually these individuals become someone who is unrecognizable and no longer able to care for themselves. Many families make the difficult decision to place these loved ones in memory care.

In the article below, PKSD shares key information about memory care facilities in Wisconsin, including what memory care is and what to look for in a facility. This is from one of a series of articles written by a journalist from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She worked in a memory care center for 691 hours and documented her experiences.

Need legal help for a loved one in long-term care? Our trusted nursing home abuse lawyers in Wisconsin have been advocating for the elderly in nursing homes for decades. We have recovered millions in compensation for these victims and their families, and we are prepared to help you.

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Does a Memory Care Facility Offer the Same Care as a Nursing Home?

Not exactly, no. Assisted living facilities may be a good option for individuals with early onset of dementia. Initially, patients with dementia may only need occasional supervision. However, as dementia progresses, most patients need around-the-clock access to medical care and more attentive supervision. This level of care is not provided in assisted living or even a standard nursing home.

When seeking memory care for a loved one, it is important to look at the specific levels of care offered at a facility.

How Does Memory Care Differ From Other Long-Term Care Facilities?

There are several key differences families need to be aware of, including the following:

• More Hands-on: A nursing home claiming they are equipped to handle memory care patients should have the ability to provide more supervised, one-on-one attention than assisted living facilities.
• Special Programs and Activities: Memory care facilities typically have special activities to help slow the loss of a patient’s memory. Patients often benefit from these programs, helping them to enjoy a more independent living situation for as long as possible.
• Increased Security: As dementia and Alzheimer’s progress, patients are at a greater risk of wandering off. Facilities need to be equipped to provide the extra supervision and facility security these individuals need. Without these safety measures, patients may wander out of the facility and off the property, putting them at risk of suffering severe or fatal harm.

What Types of Facilities Handle Dementia Patients?

There are different types of facilities that may accept patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. However, as the level of care a dementia patient needs progresses, it may be necessary to move them to a more specialized memory care facility.

A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel touches on some of the different types of facilities where you may find help for loved ones who need memory care, including:

• Assisted living: These and other community-based facilities help these individuals while they are still more independent
• Nursing homes: Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, provide a greater level of supervision and medical care as dementia progresses
• Licensed adult family homes: Smaller facilities have fewer residents and can therefore provide more hands-on care

Call PKSD for Legal Help With Nursing Home Injury Cases

PKSD is a trusted law firm based in Wisconsin. We have a long and proven history of results. Our firm is deeply committed to protecting our elderly population from injuries resulting from nursing home abuse and neglect.

Need legal help? Request a FREE case review. Our experienced lawyers in Wisconsin are here to help you with your case. There are no upfront costs if we represent you.

PKSD accepts nursing home injury cases in Wisconsin, Iowa and New Mexico. 414-333-3333