In Lafayette, Alzheimer's disease has become a growing concern for the city's senior population, which numbers more than 19,000. During a period of just four years, deaths from the disease grew by more than 51.8%, accounting for 13.2% of all deaths in the city in 2020. Louisiana has the 10th highest fatality rate from Alzheimer's disease in the country.
Thankfully, families in Lafayette have access to quality dementia care. These long-term care communities, sometimes called memory care, provide a safe place for seniors with dementia to live. In addition to providing room, board and support for activities of daily living, memory care communities aim to make life enjoyable for residents and provide peace of mind for families. Music therapy, brain games, social programs and other forms of cognitive stimulation are part of daily life. With this guide, Lafayette families can learn about the pros and cons of the city, dementia resources in the area and what memory care facilities charge per month.