Memory cafés and memory care communities may sound similar, but they serve very different functions. One is a short term support while the other provides long term care for those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
To help you understand which is the right fit for your loved one, our team has created this blog to explain the key benefits and differences of both.
What is a Memory Café?
A memory café is a gathering for seniors living with cognitive decline and their caregivers. An official diagnosis is not needed to attend, so individuals with any level of cognitive decline are welcome.
Groups typically meet on a monthly or weekly basis at a community center, church, or other semi-private space. Some groups provide structured activities, like simple art, music, writing, games, or sensory engagement. Other sessions are unstructured providing ample time to sit and chat over a cup of coffee.
The goal of each memory café experience is to provide a safe, comfortable environment for those who don’t quite fit into typical community gatherings due to their new behaviors. They may speak loudly in quiet areas, become agitated or aggressive, or tell stories repetitively.
Because everyone in a memory café understands these common behavioral changes, both caregivers and care recipients can feel at ease. Once the fear of embarrassment is eliminated, everyone is able to have fun, spark meaningful conversations, and engage in simple activities with others in similar phases of life.
This can also be a great place for caregivers to feel supported, learn new information, and truly connect with other caregivers who understand what they are going through.
It is important to note that a memory café is not a replacement for professional care. Instead, it is a complementary service that helps seniors experiencing cognitive decline who are living at home or with family. These opportunities may also be less effective as the disease progresses as they do not have any options for long term care.
What is a Suwanee, GA Memory Care Community?
A memory care community is a senior living option offering long term care for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Highly trained professionals offer round-the-clock care to ensure residents are comfortable and safe at all times. They also provide assistance with daily tasks like bathing, healthy hygiene habits, toileting, dressing, and more if needed. Most memory care communities can scale their services over time to match the needs of each resident, creating a fully customized care plan that can be modified at any point.
A monthly social calendar gives residents many options for enrichment. From games and fitness to art and music, there are classes and activities that everyone will appreciate. All of these events are carefully created with cognitive decline in mind, making these accessible, attainable, and enjoyable for all residents.
Meals are prepared and served in a shared dining room, thoughtfully designed to resemble a cozy, homey atmosphere. Suwanee, GA memory care communities are equipped to accommodate those who require assistance during mealtime or have specific dietary needs so everyone can have a positive dining experience.
Extra security features are put into place throughout each building to ensure residents are safely accounted for at all times. From special door locks to cameras, every community has its own way of keeping residents safe.
Memory care communities typically offer resources and support for caregivers, similar to what they would find in a memory café. However, since memory care is a long term service, it allows for this support and education to occur over a long period of time and in a more comprehensive manner.
Which option is right for my loved one?
Memory Cafés
Memory cafés are ideal for seniors who would benefit from short term socialization with peers. They may or may not have an official diagnosis regarding their cognitive decline, but telltale behavioral changes are beginning to occur more frequently when they are in public.
These meetings are a helpful resource for caregivers to make meaningful connections with other caregivers and spend quality time with their loved one who is living with cognitive decline.
Because memory cafés are solely a short term option, they are not ideal for those seeking long term care or those who thrive with more routine or structure since they occur more infrequently.
Memory Care Communities
Suwanee, GA memory care communities are ideal for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia who need 24/7 care and supervision.
There are many signs that it might be time to move a loved one into a memory care community. Some of these include increased aggression, frequent disorientation, and difficulty performing daily tasks. Individuals who prefer predictable routines and daily engagement will likely thrive with the daily rhythms of a memory care community as well.
Caregivers who are experiencing burnout or are finding it difficult to provide the level of care or supervision needed for their loved one may want to consider this option more thoroughly. There are many free resources to support this transition for both you and your loved one.
What should I do next?
Though every senior living journey is unique, they all begin with the heartfelt desire to find a healthier, happier aging experience. Grappling with changes of dementia can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone.
That’s why we created Where to Turn in the Early Stages of Dementia. This free resource will guide you through the beginning stages so you can make the best decisions for your loved one and yourself. Download your guide so you can start planning for more peace of mind today.
