In America, 70% of people over the age of 65 will need some form of specialist care at some point. What’s more, there are now a record 50 million people worldwide who have been diagnosed with dementia, a figure that is set to rise significantly in the coming years. Fortunately, care for seniors who require specialized assistance is growing better at meeting their needs.
It is important that you are able to understand the different care options and which ones are most relevant to you or your loved one. One of the most important things to note here is the difference between assisted living vs memory care. But what is memory care vs assisted living exactly? Read on to find out.
1. Assisted Living vs Memory Care: Facilities
When is assessing what is assisted living and what is memory care, the facilities are the first thing to consider. Assisted living environments are designed to ease physical comfort and improve the wellbeing of older people, but that is pretty much it.
Facilities that offer memory care, such as this senior living community, will tailor all facilities with the protection of dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers in mind. This often means features such as wandering paths, motion sensor lighting, alarms in all of the right places, and a commitment to avoiding sensory overload, to list a few examples.
2. Assisted Living vs Memory Care: Staff Training
In a nutshell, assisted living memory care is very different from standard assisted living care. Staff members in memory care facilities need specialized training to meet the needs of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Many staff members will be highly trained nurses and medical professionals in their own right. This is one of the crucial differences between the two.
3. Assisted Living vs Memory Care: Activities
The activities on offer at a memory care facility will be designed to improve the quality of life of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, stimulate healthy brain activity, and allow patients to live with full dignity. This can include activities that stimulate certain parts of the brain, or activities that avoid unnecessary mental stressors. Standard assisted living homes might not take these considerations into account.
4. Assisted Living vs Memory Care: Nutrition
Dementia can cause a lot of problems for nutrition. Patients can forget to eat or neglect their nutrition without realizing it. Meanwhile, dementia can cause mental anguish if it is allowed to inhibit independence at mealtimes. Memory care facilities aim to tackle these twin problems with specialized nutrition and dining programs.
These are aimed at allowing dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to eat independently and with dignity, all while making sure that their calorie and nutritional needs are met. This also helps to extend healthy life years and overall quality of life.
Make Informed Healthcare Decisions
Whether you are seeking specialized care for yourself or for a loved one, having the right information at your disposal is crucial. For this, we are here to help. Our dedicated Healthcare guides will keep you informed on the essential facts you need to make informed and empowered healthcare decisions.
