Brooklyn is home to a wide variety of care providers, ranging from local agencies offering skilled in-home care to state-of-the-art memory care communities. Choosing between these depends on multiple factors: the stage of Alzheimer’s, home safety, family availability, and financial resources. Let’s break down what each option typically includes and how to determine which might be right for your family.

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In-Home 24-Hour Alzheimer’s Care  

In-home care is ideal for those who prefer to remain in familiar surroundings. Services are often delivered by certified home health aides (HHAs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with specialized training in dementia care. Many agencies in Brooklyn, such as Caring People Home Healthcare and Alliance Homecare, provide 24-hour or live-in services. This means that either two 12-hour shifts are covered daily, or a caregiver stays overnight with reasonable rest time.

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Caregivers assist with personal hygiene, food preparation, administering medications, and engaging the person in brain-stimulating activities. They also monitor for fall risks, address wandering behaviors, and keep the home environment secure. For many families, this setup provides peace of mind while allowing the individual to maintain independence for as long as possible.

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Residential Memory Care Facilities  

When Alzheimer's progresses to the point where medical needs increase or home becomes unsafe, residential care might be a better fit. Brooklyn offers several well-regarded memory care communities and skilled nursing facilities with dedicated Alzheimer’s programs, such as Sunrise Senior Living, The Waterford on the Bay, and Parkview Care and Rehab Center.

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These facilities provide a structured setting with round-the-clock staff, secure premises, tailored activities, and access to medical professionals. Community living also fosters social interaction under careful supervision—a feature that can enhance emotional well-being.

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Hybrid and Adult Day Programs  

Some families combine 24-hour in-home care with adult day programs. This creates a reliable daily routine and can reduce caregiver stress. In Brooklyn, Day Haven and RiseBoro’s Alzheimer’s Services offer therapeutic daytime programming that promotes cognition and social engagement.

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Ultimately, choosing the right setting comes down to evaluating your loved one’s condition, your family’s capacity to assist, and the level of specialized care needed. A professional geriatric care manager or social worker can help assess your options and develop a plan tailored to your family's unique situation.

One of the most critical—and complicated—aspects of planning for 24-hour Alzheimer’s care is understanding the financial implications. Brooklyn’s cost of living is among the highest in the US, and long-term care is no exception. However, various care models and funding sources exist that can make it more manageable for families.

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In-Home 24-Hour Care Costs  

In-home 24-hour care in Brooklyn generally ranges from $22 to $30 per hour, depending on the agency, level of service, and caregiver credentials. When full-time care is needed, families may opt for live-in caregivers, which can cost between $250 and $400 per day. These costs can add up to $7,500 to $12,000 per month. Benefits of this route include personalized one-on-one attention and the emotional comfort of staying home.

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Memory Care Facility Costs  

Memory care facilities typically charge more than standard assisted living due to their specialized services. In Brooklyn, monthly costs range from $6,500 to $11,000, depending on the facility, type of room, and care level. This pricing usually includes room and board, meals, activities, personal care services, and supervision.

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Funding Solutions and Insurance  

Despite the high prices, many resources are available to help offset costs:

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• Medicaid: New York State’s Medicaid program offers long-term care waivers and managed care plans that may cover in-home or institutional Alzheimer’s care. Eligibility is needs- and income-based.
• Medicare: While Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care, it can assist with certain medical services in the early stages, such as doctor visits and short-term home health care.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: If your loved one has a long-term care policy, it may cover a portion of in-home or memory care facility expenses.
• Veterans Benefits: The VA offers programs like Aid and Attendance that can help cover Alzheimer’s care costs for eligible veterans and spouses.
• Private Pay and Asset Planning: Financial advisors and elder law attorneys can help families explore options like reverse mortgages or asset transfers to fund long-term care with minimal tax consequence.

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Planning ahead is key. Engaging with a financial planner who specializes in elder care or Alzheimer’s funding strategies can offer clarity and prevent last-minute scrambling during a crisis.