Assisted Living Vs Memory Care

Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist, dementia care advocate, and proprietor of Positive Approach to Care in Efland, North Carolina, said “It’s vital to really look at the support needs and challenges the person you’re supporting is facing at this point and to try to look honestly at what’s working and what’s not,” 

Memory care and assisted are not the same as most people presume.

While they have their similarities in terms of the demographic they address, there are some differences that are important to know to help in making the right decisions.

Memory care units are designed for people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

They provide services including round-the-clock supervision, help with daily activities and meals, along with other amenities such as beauty salons and exercise rooms.

Assisted living facilities on the other hand provide more home-like environments for older adults who have physical impairments but do not require round-the-clock care.

Memory Care Units

Memory care units are designed to meet the needs of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. They focus on safety, security and comfort.

Many memory care units provide a quiet environment that stimulates the brain through activities like puzzle-solving or board games.

These facilities also give residents a chance to socialize with other residents who have similar interests as them, which can help them feel less isolated when they need help remembering things that may be difficult for them at this stage in their lives.

Memory care programs are often set up as separate buildings within larger facilities so that each resident has their own living space within an open floor plan layout; however some states require these types of communities due their age requirements (such as Arizona).

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are for seniors who are still able to take care of themselves, but need help with daily tasks. A typical assisted living facility provides a variety of services, including meals, housekeeping, medication management and transportation.

Assisted Living Facilities can be found in all kinds of communities across the country from rural areas to urban centers like New York City or Los Angeles County.

The cost varies depending on where you live and what type of assistance you receive during your stay at an apartment complex in the area where you live now or perhaps even if there is one nearby that would suit your needs better than another location near by providing these same services without charging extra fees per month just because it’s more convenient for them (which might not always mean lower prices).

Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Assisted living is for seniors who are able to care for themselves, but need some help with daily activities. Memory care is for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Assisted living facilities are more independent than memory care facilities. Memory care facilities are more intense than assisted living facilities.

There is a distinct difference between these two types of care.

• Memory care is for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Memory care services are much more specialized and include a variety of activities that are specifically targeted at improving/delaying the rate of cognitive decline and ultimately give the individual the best possible life that they can live. Assisted living is on the other hand is mostly for those who need help with daily tasks, such as bathing or cooking.

• Memory care costs more than assisted living because it requires more staff members to provide care services in an environment that promotes independence and dignity for residents. The median rate for assisted living facilities in the U.S. is $4,300 a month, according to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Memory care generally adds 20% to 30% to the cost.

• The staffing in Memory care facilities is much more deliberate and specialized due to the needs of the residents in such communities. The nurses in such facilities are often required to participate in continuing courses and trainings to help them better understand the needs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Assisted may not necessarily require that level of specialization.

• They also differ in terms of feeding and dining. Assisted Living facilities offer the basic 3 meals each day but in Memory care facilities, they could take it a step further. Diets may be specialized to have the right nutrition for residents with peculiar cases. They may also come with adaptive utensils and a more socialized environment to cater for the needs of such an individual. 

Decision Time

So, the obvious question at this point is what option to go for. Here’s a quick guide that should help you make the best decision.

• Understand the current diagnosis of your loved one and determine whether it’s Assisted Living is sufficient or whether it’s time for Memory Care. An individual without cognitive impairment or even still at the early stages of Alzheimer’s/Dementia can do pretty well in an assisted Living facility. On the other hand, if it’s the opposite, then don’t hesitate to opt for Memory Care.

• Let your Loved one have a say. If it’s a situation where the Loved one is a very good position cognitively to contribute, then please let him/her. As much they may have their fears about the move and you want what’s in their best interest, don’t deny them the opportunity to be heard. You may get better insight just by doing so.

• Do your Research. If you are reading this blog post, then that means you are already looking into resources to help guide your next move. You can read our other article on things to consider when choosing a facility or the role of certified nurses in the facilities. More knowledge will give you more power in decision making.

• Talk to an expert. Consult experts before making decisions. You can visit a local hospital or book a session with a proven assisted living facility like Reliable Oaks or maybe put a call through to one of our experts. Either way, you can get better insights when you speak with someone who has done this for quite some time.

Conclusion

There is a distinct difference between these two types of care. Assisted living facilities provide help with daily activities and can be affordable for seniors, but they do not offer the level of care provided by memory care units.

Memory care units are more expensive, but they also provide caregivers who specialize in individualized attention to each resident as well as 24-hour supervision if needed.