There are many options available to families looking for an adult living residence there are many different options from which to choose, from independent living to assisted living and memory care. Memory care, in particular, is one of the fastest-growing senior care models in this country. While these memory care facilities offer many of the same benefits, amenities, and services as other kinds of senior residence options, they offer significant advantages to seniors moving into a new phase.
This article will discuss the differences between memory care residences and other types of adult facilities.
Assisted Living Facilities vs. Memory Care: Both memory care facilities and assisted living residences provide housing, meal preparation services, professional care and supervision, and assistance with mobility and ADLs. However, as you might derive from the name, memory care facilities focus on catering to those with memory loss, whether Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The personnel in memory care communities are trained to address the unique needs of residents with memory loss, both physically and emotionally. Specialized services that are commonly offered in memory care include 24-hour monitoring, care, and supervision; activities and therapies focusing on memory preservation and stimulation; and a safe place to live as confusion or memory loss sets in.
Nursing Homes vs. Memory Care: Memory care residences and nursing homes exhibit several common characteristics, including round-the-clock care and supervision for senior adults living with memory loss. Focused care for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients (in both residence types) includes long-term housing, meal preparation, and service, assistance with medication management, and assistance with ADLs. However, memory care and nursing home facilities have one significant difference. Memory care works towards an enhanced quality of life for dementia patients, employing personalized care plans and memory-supporting therapies. Specialized staff training, targeted social programs, and navigable facility layouts all work together to optimize the memory care patients’ well-being, security, and comfort.
In contrast, those in nursing homes require more intensive medical treatment and supervision. They typically do not need hospitalization but may be bedridden or mobility-challenged. The focus of the nursing home is primarily medical in nature, while memory care centers stress the mental aspect of aging.
Home Care vs. Memory Care Facilities: Home care is an excellent solution for those who want to age in place and remain in their private home. A professional home care aide may also offer respite for full-time caregivers, such as family members. Home care aides are specially trained to care for the elderly; and may also fill the need for companionship, assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), basic housekeeping, meal prep, and transportation for appointments or errands.
While in-home care provides dedicated services to a single individual, the social engagement that is considered essential for optimal mental health is lacking. Those living at home may also not be able to access appropriate memory care therapies. While you may think paying for home care is more affordable than assisted living or memory care, full-time care tends to be comparable in cost to memory care – and the patient still has to pay for all of their home maintenance and upkeep expenses.
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