Preventing unnecessary hospital visits: The role of memory care in dementia treatment

Caring for a loved one with dementia presents both emotional and logistical challenges. More than 16 million Americans serve as caregivers for family members with Alzheimer’s disease or related conditions, often struggling to balance their loved one’s needs with their own well-being.

As dementia progresses, professional memory care becomes a crucial option, offering specialized support to improve quality of life and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. Research suggests that well-structured memory care programs not only provide a safe environment but also minimize avoidable hospital transfers, ultimately benefiting both residents and the healthcare system.

How memory care supports dementia patients

Memory care communities are designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and other cognitive disorders. These facilities provide a structured environment that enhances safety, promotes independence, and ensures residents receive the care they need.

Round-the-clock supervision and specialized care: As dementia advances, individuals need constant supervision and help with daily tasks like dressing, eating, and mobility. Memory care facilities provide 24/7 staffing to ensure timely support while promoting independence. Unlike standard assisted living, staff receive specialized training to manage disorientation, agitation, and wandering, allowing them to handle complex needs with care.

A safe and engaging environment: Wandering affects about 60% of Alzheimer’s patients. Memory care facilities use alarmed doors, enclosed outdoor areas, and circular hallways for safety. Controlled lighting, minimal noise, and familiar routines help reduce confusion and anxiety.

Structured activities like music therapy, art, and light exercise support mental and physical health. Socialization through shared spaces and group events helps slow cognitive decline and prevent isolation.

Individualized care plans and health services: Each memory care resident receives a personalized plan tailored to their health and preferences, updated regularly. Some facilities, like ArchCare, offer specialized dementia therapy. Early access to specialists helps detect and treat issues, reducing hospital visits and ensuring proper support.

Reducing hospital transfers in memory care

Hospital transfers can be physically and emotionally distressing for individuals with dementia. Research from the Alzheimer’s Association revealed that nursing home residents with dementia face a 1.22 times higher likelihood of unnecessary hospital transfers than those with other medical conditions. These unnecessary hospital visits not only place stress on residents but also contribute to increased healthcare costs.

Kimberly Powell’s study on hospital transfers

Kimberly Powell, the lead author of a study published by the Alzheimer’s Association in October 2024, has extensively researched the factors contributing to avoidable hospitalizations in dementia patients. Her research, based on data collected from 2016 to 2020 through the Missouri Quality Initiative CMS Innovations Center demonstration project, revealed that numerous hospital transfers could have been avoided with improved planning and enhanced in-facility care.

She highlights that avoidable hospitalizations shouldn’t be judged solely on diagnoses like UTIs. Her study considers factors such as a resident’s condition, available nursing home resources, and family involvement in decisions.

Powell emphasizes proactive care, better documentation, and staff training to reduce hospital transfers. She advocates for detailed advance care planning, including “do not transfer” or “do not hospitalize” orders.

Training and staffing in memory care facilities

Proper training helps memory care staff prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. Caregivers must recognize early signs of infection, dehydration, or other conditions that can be treated on-site.

Staffing levels also impact care quality. Facilities with fewer caregivers per resident often see more hospital transfers. Telehealth programs can help by giving staff instant access to medical professionals for guidance. Powell, currently researching telehealth in nursing homes, believes virtual consultations can improve training and reduce avoidable hospitalizations.

Balancing medical needs and resident well-being

While reducing hospitalizations is important, the primary goal of memory care should always be the well-being of the resident. Every decision should prioritize dignity, comfort, and the individual’s long-term care goals. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, but memory care facilities should focus on providing in-house treatments whenever possible.

Families play a crucial role in this process by staying involved in their loved one’s care, attending regular care plan meetings, and ensuring that staff understand the resident’s values and preferences. Open communication between families and caregivers leads to better-informed decisions and a higher quality of life for residents.

Future of memory care: Better care, lower costs

As dementia diagnoses continue to rise, the demand for high-quality memory care services will grow. Innovations in care models, such as integrating telemedicine, enhancing staff training, and implementing advanced monitoring systems, can further improve outcomes for residents.

Technology and telehealth in dementia care: Telehealth helps memory care by enabling remote consultations, reducing hospital visits, and minimizing disruptions for residents. Virtual check-ups provide medical assessments without transportation stress.

Wearable technology and smart monitors track vital signs, sleep, and activity, allowing caregivers to detect health issues early and intervene before hospitalization is needed.

Role of family support in memory care: While professional memory care provides essential services, family involvement remains crucial. Families should maintain regular communication with caregivers, participate in decision-making, and visit their loved ones to offer emotional support. Facilities that foster strong relationships between staff and families create a more comprehensive and compassionate care environment.

A holistic approach to dementia care: Memory care provides structure, personalized support, and medical oversight to help dementia patients maintain dignity and independence while avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations.

As healthcare evolves, memory care will improve through better training, telehealth, and family involvement, ensuring compassionate, resident-focused care.