Assisted Living Vs. Memory Care: Which is the Right Option?

As loved ones get older, they might require help with daily tasks, to live safely and to live full lives. When they struggle to do any of these, long-term care is one of the most common for getting them the help and care they need. The challenge in most situations is finding the right home for loved ones. Many factors can affect this decision, including whether a loved one is experiencing memory problems. In this article, we will look at assisted living and memory care so you can see which one would be best for your loved one.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a long-term care arrangement where a loved one lives independently, but still gets help with daily tasks. Assisted living typically provides private accommodations, housekeeping, 24/7 on-premises staff, and decent meals. They also provide other amenities, but these differ from one facility to the next.

Assisted living is the perfect option for loved ones who require assistance with some daily tasks, but do not have any memory or cognitive challenges. It is also great for seniors who live alone and are therefore more susceptible to loneliness and boredom. Facilities providing assisted living in Glenview like Belmont Village have numerous social and enrichment activities so your loved one can socialize and interact with people their own age.

Memory Care and Whole Benefits from These Facilities

Memory care facilities cater to the needs of people with some form of dementia. Their residents can range from seniors living with some form of memory loss to those with Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia and thus require specialized care. These facilities typically have smaller bedrooms but inviting, open, and always available shared spaces.

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Memory care facilities are also designed to minimize the stressful transition from home to long-term care. These designs include soft colors, clear signage, and a lack of clutter. Predictable routines are also critical for minimizing confusion and anxiety related to memory loss. As dementia progresses, many people forget to take care of themselves and the staff at memory care facilities are specially trained to deal with such situations.

Safety is another serious consideration for these facilities. The Alzheimer’s Association says that 60% of people with dementia wander at least once in their lives. Wandering can be incredibly dangerous, which is why the staff at these facilities take it so seriously.

Other Key Considerations

Memory care facilities are typically not standalone. Many of them have dedicated memory care wings. Seniors who live in their memory care wings can enjoy some of the same perks and amenities that those in assisted living do, but under stricter security.

These conjoined facilities are also a great option for seniors whose families have a history of dementia. They make transfers to memory care much easier if a loved one needs those services. While staff in both facilities can assist with all their patients’ needs, those working in memory care have specialized training to work with people with cognitive impairments.

The key considerations when choosing between assisted living and memory care for a loved one are their needs, abilities, and interests. Understanding the differences between both and how your love is doing will also help you make the right decision.

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