About MemoryCare.com
Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s dementia, and it’s often left to loved ones to become part- or full-time caregivers. Most of these caregivers provide unpaid care, and also juggle other jobs and responsibilities. MemoryCare.com was founded to provide support for caregivers who feel overwhelmed and isolated, as well as those in the early stages of memory and cognitive impairment.
MemoryCare.com’s mission is to support older adults living with memory impairment and their families by using the latest, data-driven research and collaborating with memory care experts to provide resources that are accessible to all who are in need. Whether you are in the early stages of memory or cognitive impairment or care for a loved one in the later stages, MemoryCare.com has tools that can help.
Our Approach
MemoryCare.com uses data-driven research to identify and develop the best resources in all aspects of memory impairment and care. Our research-backed, expert-curated resources can help seniors and their families identify the risks, signs, and symptoms of dementia, find support and care agencies, and learn about cutting-edge, scientific breakthroughs in memory care.
Methodology
When determining which memory care facilities to highlight, MemoryCare.com uses data-backed processes. Our researchers partnered with our team of experts to develop a rigorous formula that identifies the best memory care facilities in a given area based on the following criteria:
Location (20%)
- Crime Statistics: What are the rates of crime in a facility’s neighborhood? How does the crime rate compare to state and national averages?
- Cost of Living: How does the cost of living in the facility’s area compare with the national averages?
- Proximity to Health Care: What is the distance to the nearest hospital and outpatient facility? How many doctors are there per capita in the area?
- Other Location-Based Benefits: Are there other senior resources available in the area? What financial assistance is available in the state?
Availability and Involvement of Experts (30%)
- Staff to Resident Ratio: Can residents of the facility receive the care and attention they need? Is the ratio the same for daytime and overnight hours?
- Staff Credentials: What proportion of staff members hold degrees in medicine or gerontology, and/or have specialized training in memory care?
- Service Planning: Are individualized service plans developed by experts for each resident?
Facility Features (30%)
- Secured Access: Are the facilities secured to ensure resident safety?
- Medical Facilities: Are there medical facilities on-site, allowing for efficient care?
- Safety and Mobility Features: Are safety and mobility features, such as handrails and shower seats, available throughout the facility?
Amenities (20%)
- Outdoor Space: Does the facility offer a secure outdoor space for resident use?
- Social Activities: Does the facility offer regular social activities specifically designed for those with memory impairment?
- Transportation: Is a transportation service available through the facility to allow residents to get medical care, go to the grocery store, or visit relatives?
To further refine our list of recommended facilities, MemoryCare.com conducts a detailed analysis of each identified memory care facility. The team examines the facilities’ reviews and real resident feedback, researches each facility’s staff and amenities, and speaks with representatives from facilities to verify information and gain first-hand experience with the staff’s customer service.
Our Team
MemoryCare.com’s team is comprised of doctors, aging experts, medical experts, and a Board of Directors, who all contribute to our content and processes to ensure seniors and their families have access to the highest quality memory care resources. The Board of Directors consists of community members who care for a family member with dementia, offering first-hand knowledge of what caregivers need.
Expert Bios
Shelley Ware, MSW, LCSW
Shelley received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Westfield State University and her graduate degree from Springfield College, both in the state of MA. She got her start in the Human Service field out of undergraduate school, assisting mentally ill adults to learn life skills and live independently in the community. Shelley went on to get her social work license while working in an acute care hospital setting. This is where she discovered her passion for the elderly and went on to work in a PACE program, specializing in dementia care, over the next 12 years.
In addition to working in the Memory Care room at the Adult Day Health Center, Shelley also served elders in their home settings, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. She gained invaluable experience and extensive knowledge on all of the dementias, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, early onset, Lewy Body and Vascular, as well as the associated behavior management. She also ran a monthly caregiver support group for caregivers of those afflicted with dementia.
Shelley is currently employed at Landmark Health, a mobile medical group serving over 30,000 Medicare Advantage patients in 13 states. She is passionate about helping seniors because of her long-standing love for this population. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion during the final years of their lives and Shelley has made it her mission and is honored to be that advocate for every older adult she is lucky enough to cross paths with.
Deidre Sommerer, LPN, MS, CMC, CDP
Deidre has worked in the healthcare field for over 35 years and specializes in Geriatrics. Deidre is a nurse who holds a certification from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She has worked across all healthcare settings, with a concentration on the community and helping older and disabled adults age in place. She has worked on NIH grant-funded program evaluation projects and considers herself a life-long learner. Deidre is a valued team member at The Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging in Hartford, CT.
Memory Care In the News
Sandra Day O’Connor And Alzheimer’s: A Personal Story: Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t discriminate. No matter your fame, no matter how deep your pockets, it slowly, but methodically ravages minds. It’s an unwelcome visitor. Few understand this more than the family of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to sit on the court.
Cannula sleeves: ‘Simple solution for dementia patients’: When singer Sharon Wallace volunteered at a hospice in her local area, she noticed how small things can make a huge difference… In 2016 she combined her passion to help and to knit and started a knitting group which held meetings in Chester every Monday. It became so successful, she set up a Facebook group ‘Handmade for Dementia’ to enable more people to join in from different areas and share their ideas.
A High-Minded High-End Approach To Dementia Care: After watching as both his parents succumbed to Alzheimer’s, hotelier and philanthropist Laurence Geller began plowing money into dementia care research. He saw this chasm of care as a gilded opportunity to do well by doing good – and then to do more.
Get Involved
If you are a caregiver or if you have experience caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia we would love to hear your feedback and suggestions on helpful articles, ideas for new resources and the like.
Additionally, if you are an expert in the field and are interested in joining our panel, send us a message!
Contact us today.
