Mississippi memory care facilities and Alzheimer's care options

Find Memory Care in Mississippi

Alzheimer’s Care in Mississippi, which can also go by the terms memory care, dementia care, or Alzheimer’s special care units, are facilities that are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with forms of dementia. They include specially trained staff and safety devices to adequately monitor residents to prevent wandering and ensure safety.

City Cost* Comparisons of Dementia Care Homes in MS

Location	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum
Southaven	$2,000	$5,000
Hattiesburg	$2,625	$4,700
Biloxi	$2,495	$4,850

*Average monthly cost for single occupancy room in a memory care community

Recreation and Attractions in Mississippi

Throughout the state, religious and historical sites are very popular. Vicksburg National Military Park, the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, and St. Mary Basilica are three options. There are also museums, parks, beaches, and casinos including Horseshoe Casino and Natchez Trace Parkway. The Mississippi River is another huge attraction with riverboat tours and various other attractions based on the river.

Mississippi's Climate, Geography, and Culture

The climate in Mississippi is humid subtropical with short, mild winters and long, hot, and humid summers. The northern region of the state does not get quite as hot as the coastal region. Average temperatures are not descriptive of the state's climate because of the variability. The high 40s to low 50s can be expected during the winter with the temperature dipping below freezing a few days of the year. For the summer, the high temperature exceeds 90 degrees for over 100 days of the year. Reaching 100 degrees is common with high levels of humidity making summers very sticky and uncomfortable in certain parts of the state. Normal annual precipitation for Mississippi is around 50-65 inches a year, often brought on by thunderstorms.

The culture in Mississippi is much like other parts of the south as the residents are considered very polite and use “ma’am” and “sir” frequently to address people. Food and drink are also central to Mississippi's culture with more than just food as illustrated by the popular saying; “Food brings people together at the community table.” Sweet tea and seafood are two staples of Mississippi cuisine.

Mississippi's Alzheimer's Regulations and Laws

In Mississippi, Alzheimer’s or dementia units are required to be designed in a secure manner with security controls on all exits and entrances and a safe outdoor exercise area for residents. A registered or licensed practical nurse must be present during all shifts, and at least two staff members must be at the memory care community at all times. There must be enough staff so that three nursing care hours out of 24 are provided to each resident. Social services must be provided to residents and family. New staff must be provided orientation specific to Alzheimer’s care, and staff that has direct contact with residents must undergo ongoing training quarterly.

Crime and Safety in Mississippi

Mississippi is ranked 21^st in home and community safety according to 2016’s Safest States to Live In.

Crime in Mississippi can be seen by laying out the number of occurrences of specific crimes per 100,000 residents. Below are just a few of the safest cities in Mississippi.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Louisville	2.21	4.9
Madison	.59	10.33
Petal	.19	7.74

Payment and Costs For Memory Care Homes in Mississippi

Medicare, private long-term insurance, and out of pocket payment are the typical methods to pay for dementia care in Mississippi. The Medicaid home and community-based waiver covers eligible residents in assisted living facilities but has a limited number of spots. The average monthly cost for memory care in Mississippi is around $4,328.

Senior Rights for Dementia Care Homes in Mississippi

Patients have the right in MS to be informed, in a manner they understand, their health status and be involved in decisions related to care including options, risks, benefits, outcomes, and side effects. It is also their decision to consent or refuse treatment. A Power of Attorney or surrogate decision maker may be designated by the patient of an Alzheimer’s care community to be involved and informed and make health care decisions for them if they do not have the capacity to do so themselves.

MS Memory Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

In Mississippi, patients are able to access their medical records by signing a consent form or release, and a copy should be provided, if a desire is indicated, within a reasonable amount of time and for a reasonable fee. Health care providers can deny access to the medical records if access is deemed detrimental to your health.