When you hear “senior care,” you might think that all senior-friendly independent living communities are alike. However, there is a big difference between memory care and assisted senior living. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of senior living situations so that you can make an informed decision about where your loved ones should live as they age.
Memory Care And Assisted Senior Living: How They Differ
Memory care is a type of assisted living. The distinction between memory care and other types of assisted living comes down to the level of care provided and whether someone has a diagnosed condition such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
In addition to the standard activities offered at an assisted living community, memory care residents may receive one-on-one assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating meals. These services are designed for people who do not have enough brain function to do these things independently. They also can include activities such as movies with subtitles or music videos that help stimulate memories and improve cognitive function. Because this specialized service is more intensive than regular assisted living, it tends to cost more than non-memory care options.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
Memory care is expensive but not as expensive as assisted living. It can cost up to $2,300 per month for a three-bedroom home. The average rate for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,200 per month and for two bedrooms in a nursing home or hospital-like setting ranges from $800-$1,500 per month.
However, there are significant differences in price depending on the location and amenities each facility provides. For example, if you want your loved one to stay within a specific city or town or nearby family members, you might pay more than $3K per month in that area. Conversely, if your loved one prefers being close to nature and wants access to outdoor activities such as hiking trails or fishing streams—then you might opt for a more expensive memory care community that offers these types of amenities at no extra charge (or at least at reduced rates).
How Much Does Assisted Living Communities Cost?
How much does memory care cost? Like assisted living, the costs of memory care can vary widely depending on location and the level of care needed. The average cost per month for an assisted living community in the United States is $4,600, while a private room in a nursing home averages $8,500 per month.
On average, many people pay more than they would for assisted living because they need additional services such as personal care attendants or nursing services. If you don’t have long-term health insurance that covers these additional expenses — which is common — you’ll be responsible for paying them out-of-pocket (although Medicaid may cover some).
Why Decide Between Senior Assisted Living Vs. Memory Care?
If you’re struggling with deciding whether to choose assisted living or memory care, here are some things to consider: Assisted living is generally less expensive than a memory care community. However, if your loved one has wandering tendencies (or other challenges), consider the higher level of supervision that comes with moving into a memory care unit.
The key difference between these two types of senior housing is that memory care provides an even higher level of supervision than assisted living does: In memory care communities, team members help residents live independently while also monitoring them closely for signs that they may need help with daily tasks like bathing or dressing.
Conclusion
In the end, your decision should be based on your family dynamics and the specific needs of your loved one. Either way, it’s important to research and ensure that any community meets all state licensing laws before investing in their future!
