As we age, it’s natural to forget a name or misplace the keys. But when memory loss begins to disrupt daily routines, relationships, or safety, it may signal something more serious: dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a broad term for conditions that impact memory, judgment, and communication. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but there are others: vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal disorders, each presenting unique challenges.
Cognitive decline can unfold slowly, making it even harder for families to know when and how to act. You may start to notice repetitive questions, missed appointments, mood shifts, or difficulty managing finances. Even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis yet, you can still begin to plan. Trust your instincts—no one knows your loved one better than you.
When it comes to care, many families wrestle with a major decision: Do we try to keep them at home, or is it time to look at residential communities that are equipped and prepared for memory care needs? This decision is deeply personal and often emotional. Staying at home is an option to maintain a familiar setting in the early stages of dementia, especially with private aides or adult day programs.
For those who qualify, Medicaid has various programs that can assist you with managing the care of your loved one and paying for it too. If the progression becomes more than can be managed at home, there are options for communities. These communities can be skilled (nursing home) or non-skilled settings. Some accept only private pay or long-term care insurance while others will accept Medicaid.
Not all residential communities are specifically designed for individuals with cognitive impairment. You may need to consider settings that offer 24/7 support, secure environments to prevent wandering, and daily programming that promotes brain health, emotional well-being, and social connection.
When evaluating memory care options, don’t just focus on appearance. Ask about staff training, staff-to-resident ratios, communication practices with families, and how medical needs are handled. Look for activities that align with your loved one’s past interests—gardening, music, art, or animals. Ask yourself: Will my loved one feel known here? The right setting should feel not just safe, but human.
One couple we worked with—Linda and her husband James—came to us in crisis. James, just 61, had been forgetting names and struggling to navigate familiar places. After a fender bender, Linda insisted he see a neurologist. The diagnosis was early-onset Alzheimer’s.
At first, they tried to manage with a home health aide and Linda as his full-time caregiver, but the emotional toll was overwhelming. We helped the family create a Medicaid plan that protected their home and income while opening doors to home care, initially, and eventually to a community with an onsite art program—James had been a painter. Because they planned early, James moved in while still aware enough to connect and participate, and Linda regained her role as wife—not just caregiver.
*****
Maureen White is the Managing Consultant at Medicaid Solutions, assisting seniors with accessing Medicaid benefits to offset the cost of long-term care. Together with Colin Sandler, they guide families through long-term care planning. Located at 2127 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor, NY, call 914-924-2566 or email intake@Medicaidsolutions.com for help.
[Medicaid Solutions offers free weekly webinars on both types of Medicaid. To get more information, go to Medicaidsolutions.com]
Colin Sandler, LCSW, CCM, is owner of Medicaid Solutions, 2127 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY. She has been providing advice on aging to seniors and their families for over 20 years. Email her at Colin@Medicaidsolutions.com or call 914-924-2566
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23 Aug 2025
0 Commentsnavigating memory loss
As we age, it’s natural to forget a name or misplace the keys. But when memory loss begins to disrupt daily routines, relationships, or safety, it may signal something more serious: dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a broad term for conditions that impact memory, judgment, and communication. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but there are others: vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal disorders, each presenting unique challenges.
Cognitive decline can unfold slowly, making it even harder for families to know when and how to act. You may start to notice repetitive questions, missed appointments, mood shifts, or difficulty managing finances. Even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis yet, you can still begin to plan. Trust your instincts—no one knows your loved one better than you.
When it comes to care, many families wrestle with a major decision: Do we try to keep them at home, or is it time to look at residential communities that are equipped and prepared for memory care needs? This decision is deeply personal and often emotional. Staying at home is an option to maintain a familiar setting in the early stages of dementia, especially with private aides or adult day programs.
For those who qualify, Medicaid has various programs that can assist you with managing the care of your loved one and paying for it too. If the progression becomes more than can be managed at home, there are options for communities. These communities can be skilled (nursing home) or non-skilled settings. Some accept only private pay or long-term care insurance while others will accept Medicaid.
Not all residential communities are specifically designed for individuals with cognitive impairment. You may need to consider settings that offer 24/7 support, secure environments to prevent wandering, and daily programming that promotes brain health, emotional well-being, and social connection.
When evaluating memory care options, don’t just focus on appearance. Ask about staff training, staff-to-resident ratios, communication practices with families, and how medical needs are handled. Look for activities that align with your loved one’s past interests—gardening, music, art, or animals. Ask yourself: Will my loved one feel known here? The right setting should feel not just safe, but human.
One couple we worked with—Linda and her husband James—came to us in crisis. James, just 61, had been forgetting names and struggling to navigate familiar places. After a fender bender, Linda insisted he see a neurologist. The diagnosis was early-onset Alzheimer’s.
At first, they tried to manage with a home health aide and Linda as his full-time caregiver, but the emotional toll was overwhelming. We helped the family create a Medicaid plan that protected their home and income while opening doors to home care, initially, and eventually to a community with an onsite art program—James had been a painter. Because they planned early, James moved in while still aware enough to connect and participate, and Linda regained her role as wife—not just caregiver.
*****
[Medicaid Solutions offers free weekly webinars on both types of Medicaid. To get more information, go to Medicaidsolutions.com]Maureen White is the Managing Consultant at Medicaid Solutions, assisting seniors with accessing Medicaid benefits to offset the cost of long-term care. Together with Colin Sandler, they guide families through long-term care planning. Located at 2127 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor, NY, call 914-924-2566 or email intake@Medicaidsolutions.com for help.