Location
SECU Center for MemoryCare
100 Far Horizons Lane
Asheville, NC 28803
Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
What to Expect
MemoryCare is a unique program that provides far more than a diagnosis. It offers an action plan for the caregiver that is ever-evolving with the changing needs of the person living with the memory disorder and the caregiver. Both parties are integral to the process – and best-practice dementia care necessitates the presence of a dedicated family member or friend at all appointments.
STEP 1
Pre-appointment scheduling
Make a Call
This step begins with a conversation with a scheduling team member, who will provide information about MemoryCare and what to expect during the initial and future appointments. We highly recommend a referral from your primary care physician.
Learn About Our Billing Process
Because our family education, training and support are not covered by any insurance, we require an annual caregiver support services fee of $695 to cover the cost of these services. This fee is due at the time of your initial appointment and will be billed annually upon the anniversary of your enrollment date. If financial assistance is needed, caregivers may request an application for fee waiver consideration.
Make an Appointment
If you are ready to make an appointment, we will mail you a pre-visit packet (or click here and print) that needs to be returned within two weeks with a $100.00 non-refundable deposit that will go toward the caregiver fee. Once we receive the packet and the $100 non-refundable deposit, we will call you back to schedule the appointment. At that time you can choose to make the deposit by credit card over the phone.
STEP 2
Initial Evaluation Appointment*
Block One
The patient and family will interview with a care manager. The discussion will be primarily between the patient and the care manager, who will review relevant medical history and start basic cognitive testing with the patient. It is important that the patient answer for themselves during this period unless the care manager directs questions to the family. (A ten-minute break is provided after this time.)
Block Two
The patient will go to an exam room with the care manager for further testing and preparation for the clinical exam. The family will be in a private interview with the doctor at this time.
Block Three
The doctor will have private time with the patient, performing further physical and cognitive testing as warranted. The care manager will meet with the family, review resources, and assess needs.
Block Four
The doctor, family, and patient (if appropriate) meet together to discuss findings and the plan of care.
*Average 3 Hours in Four Blocks
Step 3 & Beyond
Follow Up Appointments*
Typical Visits
Our staff will conduct cognitive testing and a medical exam for the patient. Caregivers will meet privately with the physician and a care manager to address any new questions or concerns that have come up since the last visit (this includes a review of medications and treatment plan). We ask that families bring a medication list and bottles to every appointment.
Between Visits
In between scheduled sessions, we offer support over the phone and via e-mail for the patient and caregivers to address any urgent questions or concerns.
*Average One Hour for Each Return Visit
Scheduling Your First Visit Starts With A Referral
Because our practice is consultative in nature, we recommend a referral from the patient’s primary care physician or neurologist before we schedule an initial appointment. When we receive the referral, our staff will contact you to schedule an appointment. You will receive a packet of information to complete and send in prior to the appointment.
Click the button below for our referral form. Please note this must be filled out by a health care provider.