What’s the better fit? Deciding between Memory Care or Assisted Living for your loved one

As your aging loved one gets closer to needing long-term care, there is a lot to consider. Senior care varies significantly in terms of care, amenities, staff training, and cost. The most common types of senior care are Assisted Living and Memory Care, but how do you decide which one is right? 

 Both Memory Care and Assisted Living offer similar services, including housing, meals, assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming, and help with toileting. However, there are key differences. Let’s make a quick comparison.

Staff Training and Care 

Assisted Living: Staff provides residents with daily living assistance such as bathing, grooming, and help with toileting

Memory Care: Best for people needing personalized care 24-7, Memory Care staff are trained to understand and meet the challenges of memory loss—staff focus on promoting independence as much as possible while still providing the care and compassion residents need.

Safety 

Assisted Living: Offers a lower level of care with services, including an in-room emergency alerts system, daily check-ins, and medication management.

Memory Care: For seniors with memory loss, increased safety is a top priority and primary concern. Memory Care communities offer a secure environment with secured entrances and exits to prevent wandering and are designed to help prevent falls and obstacles. Residents are also provided calming therapies in response to agitation, aggression, and confusion. 

Activities & Therapies 

Assisted Living: Assisted living is designed for active seniors who may need some help with everyday tasks. A wide range of planned activities is often available to appeal to different interests, including exercise classes, book clubs, bingo, karaoke, outings, and more.

Memory Care: With activities designed to help seniors maintain cognitive skills, both group and individual activities and therapies are offered for seniors with memory loss and are often scheduled to provide a sense of comfort and routine. 

Amenities 

Assisted Living: With more active residents, these communities can offer amenities such as an onsite salon, outdoor spaces, the option to have a pet, transportation concierge, activity rooms, and even a library.

Memory Care:  Resident activities are tailored to their personal needs and interests. Memory care communities tend to focus on providing residents with memory-enhancing activities such as music therapy, art therapy, and other activities that use their senses. 

When you get down to the basics, Assisted Living is better for active seniors who need assistance with daily living activities and day-to-day tasks. These communities are great for seniors who are still very independent but wish to live an engaging life connected to other seniors. Memory care is a better option for seniors who have been diagnosed with early-stage to mid-stage Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia as these communities are better equipped to provide loved ones with the care needed to live a fulfilling life. Memory Care communities can provide a secure environment and memory-focused therapies and activities. 

Note: If you have a loved one who is still active but may need memory care at some point and would like to avoid moving them later, some communities provide both Memory Care and Assisted Living like Calson communities. 

To learn more about Calson and our communities, contact us today.