Of the 201,000 people who live in and around Augusta, 14.1% are seniors ages 65 and up. While this percentage falls below the national average of 16.8%, it still accounts for over 28,000 residents. This group is at special risk for memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that Alzheimer's related deaths came to 7.85% of the total number of deaths in Augusta in 2016 and 8.60% of the total number of deaths in 2020. This rise emphasizes the need for dementia care options for Augusta's seniors.
Dementia care, also called memory care, is often provided by specially trained caregivers in either stand-alone communities or as distinct parts of assisted living communities. Seniors in memory care receive assistance with their daily living activities but also special guidance and activities that are designed to increase, or at least maintain, their cognitive skills. Memory care communities are also fully secure to prevent wandering. In this guide, seniors and their families will learn about memory care options and resources in Augusta.