From the outside looking in, senior living can seem like it is all the same. However, a closer look can quickly reveal that there is a wide range of possible living arrangements available depending on interests, needs, and preferences.
In particular, two types of senior living, assisted living and memory care, can be difficult to differentiate and can even be incorrectly used interchangeably.
Failing to understand the distinction between the two levels of care can lead to some seniors not getting the types of support that they need, while others miss out on the amenities and proper care that they are looking for. When this happens, our loved ones’ quality of life suffers, leading to additional stress for them and their families.
Therefore, highlighting three key differences between assisted living and memory care can help families clarify their research into the type of senior living community that is right for their situation.
Difference No. 1: Services and Staff
The first area of differentiation between assisted living and memory care can be seen in the specialized services and staff available at each. Memory care communities offer specialized services that are tailor made for individuals diagnosed with forms of dementia. For example, memory care communities offer additional housekeeping support, advanced nursing care options, dietitian consultations, and even social work services for seniors and their families.
Memory care communities can also provide opportunities for peer support groups for seniors and family members as well as special events focused on maintaining meaningful connections between loved ones, transcending the dementia experience. Assisted living communities also offer busy calendars full of events and activities for residents, but memory care communities increase the focus on resident engagement and work to support daily routines that keep residents calm, happy, and stimulated and minimize anxiety.
Difference No. 2: Environment
Though senior living communities have come a long way in the past few decades in terms of designing beautiful, welcoming spaces for all types of residents, there are also differences between memory care and assisted living communities when it comes to the amenities and features they offer.
One important characteristic of memory care communities is an environment that is specially suited to the needs, safety concerns, and care that those with memory issues need to be and feel safe. Examples of features at memory care communities include safety precautions like door alarms and motion-sensored outdoor lights, as well as in-apartment one-touch sinks.
These extra considerations not only allow residents to inhabit a safer living environment that is suitable for their level of need, but also allow for independence. Assisted living communities do not always offer these extra measures, though they can be available to support the overall security of the residents.
Difference No. 3: Dining
A third key difference between the two types of communities comes in the form of dining and meal support. At assisted living communities, residents are offered three meals per day, often in a welcoming dining area that encourages socialization and community building. Memory care communities also offer three meals per day in their dining rooms and opportunities for socialization, but they also offer an environment that is conducive to independence and dignity for those who are living with dementia.
Because a diagnosis of dementia can often lead to nutrition complications, memory care communities offer specialized diets that are focused on ensuring that residents are eating balanced meals with the nutrition and calories that they need while also accounting for their current needs and preferences. Residents in memory care communities are given multiple meal choices so that they can best exercise control over their diet while also eating in an environment with the support (i.e., adaptive plates or utensils) and calmness they need.
Take the Next Step
If your family is researching which type of care is right for your or your loved one, take the time to review the differences shared above, talk through them as a family, and discuss them during your research and community tours.
As always, if you need a hand, Arbor Terrace has decades of experience working with family members and seniors in assisted living and memory care communities. Learn from our experience by contacting us and discover even more useful information to help you make the best decision possible for you or a loved one.
