What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

When you start looking for senior living for your loved one, it can be confusing. There are many different titles under the umbrella of “senior living.”

Assisted living and memory care are distinctly different. Here’s what you need to know about each of these senior living facilities.

Assisted Living: More Independence

Not every aging adult struggles with memory problems. Assisted living is geared toward helping your loved one with daily physical tasks, like grooming and cleaning.

These tasks can become difficult as your loved one gets older. Aging can impact muscle and bone health, making even simple activities more challenging.

If your family member or other loved one is still mostly independent, assisted living is probably their best option. In assisted living, residents receive help with routine tasks and live normally otherwise.

Memory Care: Long-Term Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

Memory care is a more intensive, around-the-clock type of senior living. Memory care staff members are trained extensively in handling Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory problems.

In memory care, your loved one will be supervised at all times. Many aging adults with memory disorders struggle with physical safety and aggravation. Memory care facilities are equipped to support them through these challenges.

Additionally, memory care is long-term senior support. This means that once your loved one moves into memory care, they are unlikely to return to lower-support facilities.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between assisted living and memory care is highly dependent on your loved one’s cognitive skills.

Cognition is the process of gathering and using knowledge. Some aging adults see sharp declines in their cognitive abilities due to diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Once cognitive skills start to decline, your loved one is at higher risk for safety hazards and mental health problems. Memory care is the best option at this point.

On the other hand, if your loved one can function independently with proper physical support, assisted living may be the right choice. Assisted living residents enjoy more freedom and independence since they do not require the same level of care as adults experiencing memory problems.

Specialized Nursing Care and Therapies

In memory care facilities, aging adults receive targeted therapies and nursing support. These services can include physical and cognitive activities to keep your loved one active in both ways.

Assisted living residents typically don’t need as much medical care, so they may only receive nursing care when they experience illness or injury.

Make an Informed Choice for Your Loved Ones

If you are responsible for choosing a senior living facility for a special someone in your life, it can feel overwhelming.

By understanding the key differences between these two types of senior living options, you can have better insight as to which choice is best suited for your loved one. And when you make the right choice, you can have peace of mind knowing that they are taken care of and supported no matter what.