As you age, you may find that you require a level of assistance with daily living activities, and there’s no shame in that. Or you may have an elderly loved one who’s finding it more challenging to age in place as their circumstances change. When that’s the case, you may be wondering if memory care or assisted living is the best option for them. While the two lifestyle options can offer many of the same amenities and services, there are some key differences between them.
Neighborhood Design
Many senior living communities today feature amenities that include common areas, swimming pools, games rooms, fitness centers, libraries, and many more. While you will find that both memory care and assisted living residents can make use of these amenities, the neighborhood design of a memory care community will be set out slightly differently.
Because memory care residents can struggle with wandering and memory loss, some features you can expect to see include color-coded walls to help them find their way around, more open outdoor spaces that prevent residents from feeling trapped as well as locked entrances and exits to keep residents in.
Staff Training
While many of the same services – medication management, personal care assistance, insulin management, just to name a few – are provided in both memory care and assisted living communities, the training received by the team members can differ.
Assisted living team members are well-versed in senior care; however, memory care team members take this one step further, specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. They are in the best position to provide care for your loved one living with a memory-related condition.
Activities
With assisted living, you will find that there is a wide range of socialization opportunities and recreational activities. This includes exercise classes, movie screenings, book clubs, and games nights. Residents have the freedom to select what they wish to do on any given day.
With memory care, however, activities are a lot more guided and customized. Activities and therapy sessions are specially designed for residents with memory loss, with a focus on retaining cognitive skills, promoting engagement, and fostering a sense of self-worth.
Cost
The cost of memory care tends to be higher, simply because residents will be receiving much more specialized care. The monthly cost of assisted living covers rent in a senior living apartment, three meals a day as well as the assistance each resident will receive. With a lower staff-to-resident ratio and more personalized attention, you can expect to pay more for memory care.
Come to Discovery Village At Stuart for Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care
Regardless of whether senior assisted living or memory care is more suitable for you or your loved one, Discovery Village At Stuart offers both in a beautiful setting. Should your needs change down the road, you can enjoy peace of mind that we are well-positioned to provide you with the best care onsite!
