Allentown Senior AdvisorWhere can a parent with dementia live in the Lehigh Valley?
Options are home with help, a personal care home's regular floor (for mild dementia without wandering risk), a secured dementia care unit, an assisted living residence special care unit, or a nursing home for advanced needs.
29 of the 70 licensed homes in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties have a secured dementia care unit or special care unit on their DHS certificate, with 1,122 unit places in all; the largest is Saucon Valley Manor with 100.
What does it take to be admitted to a secured dementia unit?
A medical evaluation within 60 days before admission documenting the dementia diagnosis and the need for a secured unit, a written cognitive preadmission screening, and consultation with the family.
Ask the doctor for a clear written statement to avoid delays.
How is a dementia unit staffed?
Pennsylvania does not set a separate ratio for dementia units, but staff there must complete six extra hours of dementia training a year on top of the standard 12 hours.
Ask how many staff are on the unit by shift and whether they are permanently assigned.
How much does memory care cost in the Lehigh Valley?
No public source publishes a memory care price for Pennsylvania or the Lehigh Valley; expect a premium over the same home's regular floor and get both rates in writing.
CareScout does not survey memory care as its own category.
Can a parent with dementia stay at home?
Often for some time, with home care, an adult day program, safety changes and, for those who qualify, LIFE (in Lehigh and Northampton counties) or Community HealthChoices services.
Night-time wandering and caregiver exhaustion are the usual reasons a move becomes necessary.
Who helps families coping with dementia locally?
The county Area Agency on Aging can connect families with caregiver support, respite funding and support groups, and your parent's doctor can refer to a memory clinic in the Lehigh Valley Health Network or St. Luke's systems.
Lehigh 610-782-3200, Northampton 610-829-4540, Carbon 610-824-7830.
Can a home move my parent to its dementia unit without asking?
No: admission to a secured dementia unit requires a medical evaluation documenting the need and a cognitive screening, and the home must consult the family or designated person; a move should be discussed and documented.
If you disagree with a proposed move, ask for the evaluation and talk with the ombudsman.
Does Medicare pay for dementia care?
Medicare pays for medical care related to dementia, such as doctor visits, diagnostic testing, some care planning visits and hospice, but not for room, board or personal care in a dementia unit or personal care home.
Medical Assistance can pay for nursing home care for those who qualify.
Is there respite for dementia caregivers?
Yes: short respite stays in a home with a dementia unit, adult day programs and in-home respite are all options, and the county caregiver support program can sometimes help with the cost.
Book respite stays early; dementia unit beds fill quickly.
