Dementia affects everyone differently. This is why it’s important to find a skilled memory care community that is guided by the unique experiences and needs of your loved one. There are many factors to consider when selecting a memory care community in Chicago’s North Shore area. From understanding what stage of dementia your loved one is in to the combined experience of staff members.
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care
When selecting a memory care community for your loved one, the first step is understanding the differences between assisted living and memory care. There are many similarities between both types of care, but memory care communities are designed specifically for loved ones with memory loss or other age-related cognitive impairments. When it is no longer safe for them to live alone, it may be time to consider memory care.
Both assisted living and memory care offer support to those living with cognitive impairments. However, memory care is designed to serve those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Arbor Terrace Highland Park offers both assisted living and memory care options. Both options will have skilled nursing staff, but memory care staff members have additional training and specialized experience with patients living with dementia.
Assisted living has many options for entertainment for residents. On the other hand, memory care will offer specialized activities that are designed to access different parts of the brain, like music therapy. Dementia-designed activities create an engaging environment that is less stressful for those with cognitive impairments.
The dining options for assisted living and memory care communities are similar—both offer three meals per day in a beautiful dining setting. However, our Dining with Dignity® program will ensure that memory care residents can also socialize over a meal with a focus on keeping as much independence as possible. Memory care residents will be given choices in their meal plans and adaptive utensils to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Senior Living for Couples
When one-half of a couple is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or early-stage dementia, it can be life-changing for both, but senior living can still be a perfect solution. One person can reside in the memory care neighborhood, while the other can stay in assisted living. That way, one partner is able to visit their loved one whenever they want. This ensures both are receiving the specialized care they need. This is also a great way to ensure both have the support of the community and resources and education about the disease.
Amenities and Services
Memory care neighborhoods on the North Shore of Chicago are created to ensure residents living with dementia are safe, comfortable, and engaged. From the design of our hallways and enclosed courtyards to carefully planned programs and events, residents at Arbor Terrace Highland Park are given every opportunity to live life to the fullest and to feel their best.
Outdoor Spaces
Get outside, enjoy nature, and get some sun. Our community offers outdoor spaces, gardens, and walking paths that are easily accessible while still being a great opportunity for enjoying the outdoors safely.
The Arbor Lifestyle
This is your retirement. Enjoy it without having to worry about chores and house maintenance. Both assisted living and memory care communities offer regular housekeeping, concierge services, and scheduled transportation. All this, along with access to amenities like the on-site beauty salon, library, exercise classes, and more, means more time meeting new people and learning new hobbies and less time spent on mundane housework.
An Award-Winning Senior Living Community
Arbor Terrace Highland Park is backed by The Arbor Company, with over 35 years of experience caring for seniors. Our highly trained staff members strive to connect with each resident on a personal level. It’s because of their dedication that we are an award-winning community. In addition to being celebrated as one of the top senior living communities in Highland Park, Illinois, we’ve also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report Best Memory Care 2022-23 and a Certified Best Place to Work.
Arbor Terrace Highland Park provides a great option on Chicago’s North Shore for those living with dementia and needing a safe and engaging environment with the support of specialized trained staff. Please give us a call at 846-681-3636 to schedule a tour!
