Memory Care near Charleston, WV

Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of chronic memory impairment are a growing problem afflicting seniors. In addition to memory loss, Alzheimer’s patients experience deterioration in cognitive functions, such as language, problem solving, and judgment. This makes care for affected golden agers difficult. Fortunately, there are now several facilities that offer memory care in Charleston, West Virginia.

What Is Alzheimer’s Care?

When older adults are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there are a wide variety of problems that begin to develop. One issue is wandering. Dementia sufferers will go for a stroll and get disoriented or confused. They then have trouble finding their way back home. In Charleston Alzheimer’s care facilities, residents get their own private or semi-private room in a completely secure building. Wandering will not be a problem.

It is also hard for Alzheimer’s patients to perform the activities of daily living. This is why Charleston memory care communities have trained caregivers on duty at all times to help with cleaning, grooming, preparing meals, medication management, laundry, housekeeping, and any other tasks of everyday life seniors may need assistance with.

Based on how far along the disease has progressed, affected retirees have two options for Alzheimer’s care in Charleston, WV. For dementia sufferers in the early stages, assisted living facilities are the best choice. However, for Alzheimer’s patients in the more advanced stages of the disease, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are the better alternative. In these communities, there is a higher level of supervision and care provided.

Why Live in Charleston?

Located at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk Rivers, Charleston is the largest city and capital of West Virginia with about 50,000 residents. Though early industries important to Charleston were natural gas, coal, and salt, healthcare, trade, education, government, and utilities play central roles today. A large proportion of Charleston’s population is seniors. In fact, 31 percent of the residents are 55 years of age or older.

Seniors are likely attracted to Charleston because of the low cost of living, which ranks well below the national average. Utilities, groceries, transportation, housing, medical care, and other miscellaneous expenses are all cheaper in Charleston. This is great news for retired people who are trying to make ends meet on a fixed income from retirement funds or a monthly social security check.

There is a strong sense of community in Charleston. This is likely facilitated by the many annual fairs and events that go on throughout the city. The West Virginia International Film Festival is held twice a year, in early November and late April, and features international and domestic animated, full length, student, documentary, and short films. FestivALL is held every West Virginia Day (June 20) and includes theater, music, and dance.

Most of the memory care communities have full social schedules both on the premises and with day trips around town. With the low cost of living, high proportion of seniors, and variety of activities, Charleston is an ideal place to seek Alzheimer’s care.