Valeo™ Memory Care

Memory care that elevates your well-being.

Memory Care in Richardson Near Dallas, TX

In the secure Valeo™ memory care neighborhood at The Monarch at Richardson, you and your family will discover a sense of community and an extensively-trained team that is focused on safely maximizing your abilities and well-being.

Contents
Valeo
When is it Time for Memory Care?
Cost of Memory Care
What’s Included in Memory Care Services?
How to Talk About Memory Care?
Memory Care Community in Richardson, TX
FAQs About Memory Care
Helping Hands To Help Minds Thrive
Virtual Dementia Tours

Valeo (va-LAY-oh)

Derived from the Latin word meaning “to thrive,” Valeo offers programming designed specifically for residents with memory impairments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. The Valeo wellness philosophy centers on holistic care, maintaining and improving what is commonly referred to as the Four Components of Wellness: physical, social, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

The Valeo philosophy is integrated into every aspect of our memory care programming. Customized to the individual, Valeo helps you thrive by creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, one-on-one engagement, building relationships and growing connections.

 

When is it Time for Memory Care?

People often wonder when it is time to move to memory care. Memory care communities in the Richardson TX area are available for people with moderate or more cognitive impairments due to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. For those with mild memory impairments or no official diagnosis, independent living or an assisted living community may be more appropriate.

Memory impairments often gradually increase over time. This makes it hard to know when memory care is needed. Consider the following signs that it is time to look for a memory care community:

• Memory impairment often leads to confusion and disorientation. This can lead to concerns about physical safety for your loved one continuing to live at home.
• Behavior changes. Sometimes, people start acting differently due to dementia or cognitive impairments. It’s important to watch for personality changes.
• Change in caregiving options. When a caregiver passes away or develops health issues of their own, it may be necessary to find alternative care.
• Unsafe living arrangements. An unsanitary home, frequent falls or driving accidents may imply it’s time for memory care.
• Decline in their physical health. Physical health changes sometimes make it unsafe or too difficult to live independently.

Remember that not everyone with a cognitive impairment needs memory care. Some people continue to live independently with support from family members, while others take advantage of the support of an assisted living or memory care community.

 

Cost of Memory Care in Texas

Understanding how memory care will impact your loved one’s finances is an integral part of the decision-making process. The first step is to determine the cost of memory care. When finding a memory care community, make sure you are comparing their pricing and services evenly.  For example, The Monarch’s Valeo has a one-time $2,500 community fee and a monthly fee of $6,920 for the Valeo memory care program. The monthly fee is all-inclusive, which means that all the services are covered for residents of the memory care program. Other programs may have hidden charges or “extras,” so it’s essential to learn what’s included in the overall price.

Medicaid

Given the costs of memory care, many families wonder how they will afford to pay for it. For those who qualify for coverage, Medicaid may cover the cost of memory care, however, it’s important to check with the memory care community to see if they accept Medicaid.

Long-term Life Insurance

One of the most reliable ways to pay for memory care is through long-term care insurance. Typically, this policy must be purchased in advance of the need for long-term care. The plans vary, but most cover memory care. Check with the insurance plan to determine the daily benefit, the duration of the policy, and whether there is a maximum lifetime payout. Most long-term care insurance policies require a medical diagnosis and specific level of physical or cognitive impairment before they begin covering expenses.

To learn more about payments, The Texas Department of Health and Human Services provides resources to help families learn how to afford memory care.

 

What’s Included in Memory Care Services?

Memory care services include most services for your loved one. This includes medication management and assistance with personal care. We also provide healthy meals, wellness programs, and life enrichment events.

Our wellness philosophy is focused on empowering a way of life that ensures your body is active, your relationships are strong, your mind is challenged, and your spiritual needs are met. We provide holistic care focused on four dimensions of wellness: physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual. Creating a space to build connections and stay engaged helps residents stay engaged.

For residents in assisted living, we monitor well-being to help family members know when it may be time for a higher level of care. We make the transition as easy and supportive as possible. Staying within a single community with familiar faces is a source of comfort for many of the residents.

Custom Programming

Your life experiences and desires are unique, so all of our programs are adapted to you as an individual. We assess your interests and abilities, then build a personalized approach to create meaningful moments in each day. Our Valeo™ Signature Programs are designed to honor your legacy; increase awareness, cognition and engagement; and stimulate pleasant long-term memories that provide joy and pleasure.

 

How to Talk About Memory Care?

Discussing the transition to a Richardson memory care community can be challenging.  Rather than sitting down for a big talk, view this as a conversation that will unfold over months. This gives your parent time to adjust to the idea of moving to memory care, which makes the transition easier.

To broach the subject:

1. Choose a neutral place and time where you won’t be interrupted.
2. Express your concerns about your loved one’s memory, using concrete examples of safety or wellness concerns.
3. Ask your parent what they prefer to do.

Remember that older adults with memory problems often lack insight into the severity of the problem. Your parent isn’t necessarily being stubborn; he or she may not understand why it is so important to transition to a memory care community.

 

Memory Care Community in Richardson, TX

When you’re looking for the best memory care that Richardson, TX has to offer, The Monarch stands apart from the rest. We are 100% committed to ensuring that residents receive the best care possible. To achieve this, we have designed a memory care community with resort-style amenities. Our highly trained staff members have extensive experience working with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments.

We want all residents to feel at home at The Monarch, designed to encourage connection, socialization and movement throughout the community.

If you’re interested in memory care, we’re here to help. Give us a call or complete our online form. One of our highly trained team members can discuss your concerns and care needs. We’ll help you schedule an in-person or virtual tour of our Texas retirement community. For additional information, please download our memory care resource guide.

 

FAQs About Memory Care

What is a memory care facility?

Memory care facilities, also called memory care communities, specialize in assisting people living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia or memory impairment. Attention is paid to creating a safe, comfortable and engaging environment that meets the unique needs of people living with these conditions.

Some memory care communities provide daytime care for people who still live in their personal residences. Others offer round-the-clock care for residents. Individual needs, preferences and support systems should be taken into account when selecting the right option for your family.

What types of memory care activities does a community include?

Residents enjoy activities like brain games, art classes, music programs, dancing, exercise and visits from local youth groups. Some communities bring in entertainment like live musicals performances. Sometimes, a local manicurist or hairdresser may stop by to offer residents a little pampering.

Does Medicare cover memory care facilities?

The short answer is yes. However, there are significant limitations to keep in mind. Medicare pays for some, but not all, memory care costs, including care provided by a memory care community.

Families that need Alzheimer's or dementia care can expect Medicare to pay:

• Inpatient hospital care, a portion of doctors' fees, as well as medical devices and equipment
• Some prescription drugs (under Medicare Part D)
• Up to 100 days of skilled nursing in a home residence under certain circumstances
• Hospice care delivered in-home, at a memory care community or an inpatient hospice community

It's important to note that Medicare does not cover “custodial,” long-term care at a memory care community. However, Medicaid does cover some or all of these fees for people who qualify for the coverage.

Helping Hands To Help Minds Thrive

Individuals who build a career at The Monarch at Richardson assisted living and memory care community are filled with optimism and a genuine desire to help others. You don’t just work at The Monarch at Richardson – you care, motivate and engage.

Training
Our industry-leading training programs teach all team members — even non-clinically licensed employees such as operations, dining or housekeeping — how to compassionately support the day-to-day needs of residents with memory impairments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s while finding ways to engage with them. Our methods and leadership permit team members to slow down, make connections and gain a deeper understanding of residents’ lives.

Interaction
Every person on the team — from housekeepers to bookkeepers to the dining and wellness teams — are considered support providers in the memory care community and are trained to go above and beyond. Team members take the time to truly get to know each resident and work every day to create moments of joy. Team members are encouraged to blend personal interests and experiences with the lives of residents, lead group activities and interact on a regular basis. Residents have endless opportunities to stay engaged in positive experiences yet can always find privacy and quiet time when they need it.

Family
For the Valeo memory care philosophy to achieve success, we encourage families to play a key role in engaging residents and rekindling joy and memories. Valeo is an opportunity to preserve the legacy and memories of family members for new generations.

 

Virtual Dementia Tours

Putting yourself in the shoes of someone living with Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, is a great way to help you understand and communicate effectively with your family member or friend.

We understand that it is difficult to care for someone living with dementia without having walked in their shoes. The Virtual Dementia Tour lets caregivers personally experience the tough day-to-day challenges those with dementia face. The empathy and patience you will feel for people with dementia following this sensory stimulation experience are immediate.

To learn about when the next Virtual Dementia Tour will be offered at The Monarch or to hear more about how residents at our memory care community in Richardson are thriving, contact us today.