Deciding on the right senior living option can seem overwhelming for families, especially if their loved one’s situation necessitates a move in the near future. Either a memory care or assisted living facility will offer compassionate care to those living with mild to serious health issues, including cognitive impairment. Memory care, however, specifically supports Alzheimer’s or dementia patients through appropriate activities and personnel trained in the specific challenges associated with cognitive impairments. Here are some key differences families should understand when deciding on the right solution for their family.
Training of Personnel
Memory care facilities and assisted living communities often operate with many of the same staff members, including nurses and nursing assistants. However, memory care residences also maintain a staff with additional training to deal with issues commonly associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. These issues and concerns may include difficulty swallowing, wandering behaviors, and depression or anxiety. Those working in memory care facilities at any level are typically required to attend continuing education classes, which provide training to understand people living with dementia. Memory care is generally recommended if a senior loved one is cognitively impaired or exhibiting behavioral issues such as confusion, anxiety, anger, or agitation.
Activities
An assisted living facility concentrates on filling its calendar with entertaining and interesting activities that will provide fun, education, and companionship. These activities are geared toward keeping residents engaged in fulfilling lives with their peers. However, memory care residences offer dementia-specific activities focused on the unique cognitive needs of those with dementia. While art and music classes can help to keep the brain sharp when in assisted living, they can provide essential brain and cognitive therapy in memory care. Once in memory care, seniors require activities that will soothe, comfort, and support their emotional needs.
Facility and Environment
Assisted living facilities are adult residences that allow individuals to maintain a sense of independence. They can typically go outside to walk around the grounds or work in their own garden outside their door. They are trusted to walk to the fitness center, meet friends for lunch, or go shopping with family members. Memory care communities offer an environment that is equipped for the specific needs and safety concerns of those with memory and judgment problems. Dementia alters the perception of all five senses, not just memory and cognition. Safety features such as door alarms, directional assistance, and motion-sensor lighting may be offered, along with a higher staff-to-resident ratio. These extra details permit residents to enjoy appropriate independence while still being safe, secure, and monitored.
When It Is Time to Make a Decision
The fact is that determining a suitable residence for your loved one may not be entirely cut and dry. Some individuals with early dementia thrive with minimal daily help and may resent the restricted nature of a memory care center in the early stages, making assisted living the right choice. It can also be very difficult for family members to determine the right placement for their loved ones objectively. The good news is that facilities typically require an assessment process, which pairs physician, family, and professional community input to determine the best placement for each individual.
At My Care Finders, we specialize in helping families to make the right decisions for their loved ones. We have in-depth knowledge of
