Of the 252,488 residents of Chesapeake, VA, almost 33,600 of them are aged 65 years and older. Along with age, however, comes the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders. Alzheimer’s is the 8th leading cause of death in Virginia, but the city of Chesapeake has experienced Alzheimer’s death rates decreasing by over 25% between 2016 and 2020.
Older Virginians with cognitive impairments often choose to reside in a specialized dementia care facility. Though these memory care facilities are often part of a larger assisted living community, there are some differences. They both provide healthy meals, round-the-clock support and common areas to socialize in, but memory care units typically have special safety features designed to protect those living with dementia. The staff is also trained in how to deal with the frustrations the seniors often feel, and they’re skilled in dealing with the difficult behaviors that often accompany Alzheimer’s.
This guide provides more information about the benefits and drawbacks of living in Chesapeake for seniors with Alzheimer’s, as well as the cost of memory care, strategies to pay for it and resources to support those in need.