As you explore senior living options for yourself or a loved one, you may learn about the different levels of care offered at a community. If you’re wondering about the difference between an assisted living residence and memory care, assisted living provides support for adults who require assistance with activities of daily living, or ADLs.
Memory care is designed for adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or another form of memory loss.
A variety of factors can make one type of care better suited for you or your loved one. Understanding the benefits of both types of care will help you make the decision between memory care versus assisted living.
Benefits of Assisted Living
When you or a loved one moves into an assisted living community, there are so many benefits at your fingertips. In addition to living maintenance-free and having access to a number of services and amenities, assisted living is focused on helping you with the daily tasks necessary for a healthy and happy life.
ADLs include:
- Eating
- Bathing
- Getting dressed
- Ambulating
- Using the bathroom
It’s possible that you or your loved one only require assistance with one particular ADL or a couple. You or your loved one will continue to do the ADLs that aren’t difficult, as this will help you or them remain independent.
You can also expect services like:
- Medication management
- 24-hour caregiver assistance
- Housekeeping
- Laundry service
- Three meals a day and two snacks
- Social activities
Another benefit of assisted living is the peace of mind for family members. They know that assisted living communities are secure, and their loved one can call for help at any time in an emergency.
Benefits of Memory Care
Memory care is specifically designed to provide specialized care and enhance quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The care team will work with your loved one to develop a personalized care plan that will meet your loved one’s needs and help them thrive.
Staff members have training in how to provide care for memory care residents. They’re prepared for situations where a resident may have an outburst or be prone to wandering. They know to gently redirect or engage your loved one in an activity that they love to do.
Having a seamless flow of activities throughout the day can help your loved one enjoy the present moment and prevent feelings of agitation.
Other benefits of a memory care community include:
- Daily programming designed to enhance your loved one’s lifestyle
- Participation in activities like music therapy, which can improve mood and cognitive function
- Knowing your loved one is in a safe and secure environment
You’ll also be able to take comfort in knowing that should your loved one’s needs change, their care team will be right there to make the proper adjustments and ensure that they are getting the best care possible so they can live their best life.
Memory Care vs Assisted Living: What’s the Right Option for You or Your Loved One?
When finding the right senior living option, consulting your or your loved one’s physician may provide you with guidance on assisted living versus memory care. You or your loved one may not have any health conditions but need a little more assistance in completing everyday tasks. In this case, assisted living may be the right choice.
If you or your loved one receive a dementia diagnosis, there is still room to explore both assisted living and memory care.
Some individuals can have a form of dementia and thrive in assisted living. In the early stages of dementia, symptoms can include confusion, lack of concentration, and short-term memory loss. But assisted living can provide support with a care plan, assistance with ADLs, and help you or your loved one participate in activities that help engage the brain and sharpen cognitive skills.
Usually, it’s a clinical decision on whether or not an individual moves into a memory care community. A physician may recommend the move based on their assessment of your loved one’s health and condition.
Get the Care You Need at Glencroft Center for Modern Aging
At Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, we offer care levels to meet your needs. We offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and long-term care. Residences at Glencroft that offer assisted living and memory care include:
- Friendship Villa – Assisted Living
- Friendship House – Memory Care
- Primrose Lane – Skilled Nursing/Memory Care
- Purple Sage – Skilled Nursing/Memory Care
- Sarah’s Place – Memory Care
Contact us today at 623-295-0294 to learn more about our assisted living and memory care residences.
