Find the Best Memory Care Facilities in Sioux City, IA

What to look for in a memory care facility in Sioux City

Finding the right memory care facility in Sioux City can be difficult because you have to consider both your loved one’s needs and your budget. The cost of memory care depends on the facility, with more available services and amenities usually increasing the cost. Consider the following features to help find a facility that fits your budget:

• Memory care services: Memory care services are designed to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia stay calm, happy and safe. To this end, facilities usually offer services like cognitive treatment, medicine management, 24/7 supervised care, exercise programs, art therapies or aromatherapy. Compare your loved one’s needs to what each facility offers and pick accordingly. For instance, people with middle- or late-stage dementia often benefit more from having 24-hour supervision and a more comprehensive selection of therapies.
• Physical environment: Look for a facility that’s clean, secure and easy to navigate. A clear layout helps those with mobility issues, and security features help those who tend to wander. Rooms and doors should be clearly labeled, the grounds should have an enclosed outdoor walking area, and the entrances and exits should be secured with keypads.
• Staff: Determine if the staff receives specialized training, if there’s a nurse on-site and the ratio of staff to residents. The staff should also be kind and caring, ensuring that residents’ needs are met quickly and respectfully.
• Long-term potential: Consider whether each facility could be a long-term home for your loved one. Can they provide the complex medical care that is often needed when people age? Or might certain conditions require your loved one to move to a different facility? Moving into a memory care facility is a significant transition, so it’s best to minimize additional disruptions.
• Food, activities and amenities: Your decision should not be just about health care; this facility is where your loved one will eat, socialize and spend most of their free time. Consider what type of food is served, which amenities are provided and which structured activities are offered.
• Location: Consider the locations that make your loved one happy and try to find a facility close to them. You may want to choose somewhere close to you, other family members, a hospital or your loved one’s favorite attractions. An art lover may want to be close to the Sioux City Public Museum, and an outdoorsy person may still want to relax in Stone State Park.

Your budget affects most of your decision-making process, so be realistic about which features your loved one needs and what facility you can afford. Use these factors to narrow down your list of facilities to a few options worth touring in person. Be sure to read plenty of reviews from residents and their loved ones to get a glimpse of what staying in the facility is really like, too.

Sioux City memory care cost

On average, memory care facilities cost between $3,100 and $6,900 per month in Sioux City. These fees cover services like lodging, food, therapies, activities and medication management, but prices usually depend on a number of factors, like:

• Room sizes
• Care levels
• If your loved one has a pet
• If their spouse is moving in with them
• Any luxury services available

There are also programs that help cover the cost of memory care, including veterans’ benefits, life insurance and long-term care insurance. Iowa Medicaid also offers Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) like the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which may cover expenses not related to room and board.

Sioux City memory care residence FAQ

What is memory care?

Memory care refers to a level of care at retirement communities that is designed to benefit people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If your loved one needs daily assistance but doesn't have memory issues, assisted living might be a better fit.

Does Medicaid cover nursing home care for dementia?

Medicaid benefits are different in every state, but most offer some coverage for memory care. In Iowa, you can potentially use the HCBS waiver to lower the costs of memory care, but keep in mind that not all care facilities accept Medicaid.

What organizations in Sioux City help older people and caregivers?

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Iowa Chapter offers educational resources, support groups and awareness-raising events for those with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.

Likewise, Siouxland Center for Active Generations provides activities and amenities for older people, including dance lessons, cooking classes, a library, a computer lab and a fitness center.