About Assisted Living
What are the differences between a memory support program and traditional assisted living?
A memory support program is specifically for individuals with moderate to advanced Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. In traditional assisted living, residents freely come and go. The physical areas where residents live are alarmed and secured to assure residents do not wander into unsafe areas. Residents in memory support programs generally have a greater need for redirection and assistance with personal care, managing at mealtimes, and staying occupied with meaningful activities. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs provides a special certification for memory support programs, and state regulations require that staff be specially trained to work with individuals with dementia. Memory support programs are also required to have a higher ratio of staff to residents and a specified number of activities throughout the day.
Is financial assistance available for residents in the memory support program?
The Courtyard at Youville Place will accommodate up to 27 residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The subsidy will be offered to two of those individuals. Youville Place will continue to subsidize 18 additional residents in the traditional assisted living. Each application for subsidy will be reviewed on an individual basis. Subsidy in traditional assisted living does not automatically qualify an individual for subsidy in The Courtyard.
Is the cost the same for traditional assisted living and memory care?
Memory support programs require a higher staff to resident ratio and more activities throughout the day. The cost of the extra services increases the monthly fee.
Will Youville residents be considered for available openings before candidates from outside the Youville communities?
Each application will be considered in the order it is received.
How will I know if my parent living at Youville needs a memory support program?
Youville has an assessment to determine if an individual is appropriate for a memory support program. Generally, residents at risk for wandering who require behavior management or frequent redirection are candidates for a special memory support program.
What if my parent lives at Youville and needs memory support, but there are no available spots?
In most instances, residents with early to moderate dementia can manage well in traditional assisted living. We will work with everyone to support traditional assisted living until an apartment is available in The Courtyard. The safety of the resident will be our main concern.
Will residents in The Courtyard still be able to attend Mass?
Yes.
Can we visit our loved one and take them out with us as we always have?
Yes.
Can residents in the traditional assisted living at Youville Place visit friends who have moved to The Courtyard?
Yes.
Can residents in The Courtyard bring in extra help in the same way that residents in traditional assisted living can?
Yes.
If my parent requires emergency care at a hospital, will they be alone?
Whenever possible, a staff person will accompany a resident from The Courtyard during an emergency trip to a hospital. Families will, of course, be notified immediately.
Will my parent continue to have outside appointments with doctors and other health care providers?
Yes.
What comes next for a resident in The Courtyard?
Just as in traditional assisted living, residents can stay in their apartments for as long as their needs can be met by Youville staff or outside, private staff. Skilled services of a nurse, physical or occupational therapist can be met by a private care agency, such as a VNA. Residents and families may contract with a hospice for end-of-life care.
Where can I find support for the emotional strain of caring for a parent with increasing dementia?
Youville Place will offer Chaplain services to residents of The Courtyard and support for individuals caring for a loved one with dementia. We will provide support groups regularly for loved ones and families.