Memory Care vs. Assisted Living: Making the Best Choice for Senior Care in Collinsville, IL
According to the World Health Organization, over 55 million people struggle with dementia. It's a condition that's getting more common, and between dementia and other cognitive conditions, more seniors need extra care.
If you have a senior loved one, you may be getting ready to choose senior living services for them. Between memory care vs. assisted living, which is right? What are the differences between them and what do they have to offer?
Let's break down these two types of senior care options so you can help your loved one make the right choice based on their health and abilities. Read on to learn more.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specific type of senior living space for seniors with certain memory-related conditions such as dementia. Memory care is a fantastic option for seniors who require care that's outside of the scope of standard assisted living communities.
But what sets them apart? Here are some memory care advantages to consider before choosing which senior living services are best for your loved one.
Specialized Care
Memory care centers have dedicated staff and programs designed specifically for seniors with memory impairments. The staff members receive special training so they can provide the best possible care for the seniors.
Memory care programs also have extra activities (more on those later) and services that standard assisted living communities may not offer.
Secure Environment
Seniors who have memory-related conditions are often prone to wandering. This can lead to them getting lost or injured. An assisted living community may be too open to keep them safe.
Locked units and wings prevent residents from wandering off or getting lost. This keeps them safer and happier.
Staff Training
Caregivers in memory care homes receive extensive training in dementia care, including communication techniques and behavioral management. They know how to keep people with memory-related conditions calm and avoid triggering their symptoms.
Not all staff members in standard assisted living communities have this training, and they may find it difficult to give those seniors the comfort they need.
Memory Care Activities and Programs
Memory care communities provide many opportunities for enrichment and stimulation. These activities are tailored to meet cognitive and emotional needs. They include things like:
- Memory stimulation exercises
- Sensory therapies (like art and music)
- Calming activities (like gardening and walking)
Assistance with Daily Living
Assisted living communities do, of course, offer daily assistance. However, seniors in those communities are still fairly independent. They need less support than seniors in memory care.
Memory care workers offer support with things like:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Medication management
What Is Assisted Living?
So what is assisted living? An assisted living community is a space where seniors can enjoy their golden years without the stress of managing a home.
They have plenty of other seniors around for friendship and there are helpers available if they need them. They do, however, still maintain some level of independence.
Here are some assisted living benefits.
Private Spaces
Residents have their own living spaces, often with kitchenettes. They have room to enjoy themselves on their own and they can maintain more independence. They may share apartments with spouses, but they have a space to call their own.
Assistance with Daily Life
As in memory care communities, assisted living workers offer support with:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Medication management
However, they also encourage independence when possible. Seniors don't have to accept that help, but it's available should they need or want it.
Meals and Housekeeping
When a senior is enjoying their golden years, they shouldn't have to worry about cooking and cleaning. In an assisted living community, there are people available to help with that. There are housekeeping services and there are ample dining options.
However, seniors also have the option to tidy up on their own and clean their own spaces if they so choose. This gives them as much independence as they'd like.
Social Activities
There are plenty of social activities available within assisted living communities. These activities are great for social bonding, physical health, and mental health. They help seniors develop new hobbies and make friends while keeping them sharp and happy.
Seniors have access to things like:
- Group outings
- Exercise classes
- Arts and crafts
- Concerts
- Holiday events
There's something for everyone, but these activities aren't necessarily tailored to specific issues like memory care activities.
Staff Availability
There is always staff available in an assisted living community. They're there just in case a senior needs something or has an emergency. However, these staff members may not have the same training as memory care staff.
Memory Care vs. Assisted Living
When it comes to memory care vs. assisted living, what should one consider before making a decision? Here's how you can choose between senior care options.
First, assess the senior's cognitive needs. Evaluate the senior's memory impairment severity to determine whether or not memory care is necessary at this time. Some memory loss is normal in old age according to the National Institute on Aging, but advanced memory loss is not.
Evaluate the senior's level of independence. It's important to consider their ability to perform normal tasks. If they need significant help all day, a memory care home may be a better option for them so they can receive extra help.
Family members should also consider safety concerns. If a senior is prone to wandering or falls, the extra security from a memory care home is the best choice.
Memory Care or Assisted Living: Which Is Right?
When it comes to memory care vs. assisted living, there's no clear "right" answer. Consider the benefits of both while determining your loved one's level of need to choose the community that's right for them. Make sure to include them in he decision if possible.
At Addington Place of Collinsville, we help Collinsville, IL, seniors enjoy their golden years. We'd love to welcome you and your loved ones to our community. We offer several different levels of care to suit all seniors.
Reach out today to learn more and schedule a tour of our community.