sarah

 “Sarah”, age 89, had been living at an assisted living facility in another town for four years. She didn’t need memory care services at first, however, after two years, Sarah began to walk out the door on her own without anyone noticing. The facility recommended that she be moved to their locked memory care unit (at $7,000/month in a shared room). Two years later, Sarah developed some behavioral issues that included being combative with another resident as well as with staff. It was not a daily occurrence, and there seemed to be a trigger that caused her to act this way. Moving her to a single room may have helped, but this would cost more money. The facility felt like they could no longer manage her behavior, and since they had a waiting list for memory care beds, she was asked to leave. The family had 30 days to find another place for their mom. Naturally, the family was looking for other places with memory care units, believing this was what she needed, but all other facilities were full. A family friend, whose mom is a resident of the Neighborhood House, recommended us to them. Although we do not have a dedicated locked unit, we are designed to handle residents with dementia. Working with the family and Sarah’s doctors, and understanding her triggers, we have developed a care plan specifically for her. She is now living in a single room and pays several thousand dollars less per month. Sarah has been doing well at the Neighborhood House, has not wandered out the door, has had no incidents with other residents or staff, and is socializing with other residents.

DON'T ASSUME YOU CANNOT AFFORD ASSISTED LIVING, INCLUDING MEMORY CARE SERVICES. WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP. JUST ASK.