For families, selecting the appropriate care option for a loved one is often a difficult decision. Understanding the differences between memory care and assisted living is crucial. While both offer specialized support and amenities for aging adults, they differ in their capabilities of catering to the distinct needs of residents, particularly those living with cognitive disorders.
Fox Trail Memory Care Living provides comprehensive memory care communities for families in north and central New Jersey. Here, we highlight the key factors that differentiate assisted living and memory care communities, so your family can make an informed decision about the best care option for your loved one.
The Difference in Care Options
Memory care and assisted living are two types of care options for aging adults who can no longer safely live independently without some degree of assistance. Both care options accommodate the varying needs associated with aging, but each offers distinct levels of support.
The differences between memory care and assisted living include:
Targeted Care Needs
The needs of those living with cognitive conditions, such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, are unique, so these individuals require specific care. Memory care communities are equipped with the resources and staffing to provide residents who have been diagnosed with these conditions with the specialized care they need. Furthermore, memory care aims to help seniors manage memory loss, confusion, behavioral issues, and other challenges associated with cognitive disorders.
Assisted living facilities are an ideal care option for seniors who need assistance completing activities of daily living (ADLs). The common tasks that aging adults need help with include bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management. Assisted living places emphasis on providing support to individuals who require some assistance but do not have significant cognitive decline.
Supervision and Security
Residents of memory care communities typically require higher levels of supervision. Therefore, our memory care environments are secured with advanced precautions to prevent wandering, which is a common symptom of Dementia. Locked doors, alarmed exits, and 24/7 staffing ensure the safety of residents and provide continuous care.
Some assisted living units may offer 24-hour staffing, but the level of supervision is generally less intense than that seen in memory communities. Moreover, because residents are usually more independent in assisted living facilities, security measures are typically less advanced.
Personalized Care Plans
To further meet the unique needs of residents with cognitive diseases, memory care settings create highly personalized care plans tailored to the individual’s specific condition. Care plans offered at memory care communities can include a variety of aspects, such as cognitive therapies, memory stimulation activities, physical exercises, and more to help residents manage their daily lives and the challenges linked to their conditions.
In assisted living homes, care is focused on residents’ physical and medical needs. While some social and mental stimulation activities may be offered, they are not as specialized as care plans in memory care communities.
Staff Training and Expertise
The team members employed at memory care communities are specially trained to care for individuals experiencing symptoms related to cognitive decline. Staff members commonly undergo ongoing education and training in Dementia care techniques and best practices, including how to effectively communicate with aging adults who have difficulties understanding or expressing themselves.
Assisted living staff members are trained to provide general assistance with daily tasks and may possess some education on handling health issues associated with aging. However, they are not typically trained to successfully manage the unique needs of residents with cognitive impairments.
Environment and Layout
The environment of memory care communities is specially designed to minimize opportunities for confusion and reduce anxiety, which can agitate and frustrate individuals with Dementia. Memory care communities usually feature simple layouts and focus on creating safe, supportive, and welcoming environments.
Assisted living units typically have more variety and flexible environments. This care option focuses more so on providing residents with a comfortable, home-like atmosphere that promotes independence, with additional services available when needed.
Memory Care at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
Deciding between memory care and assisted living depends on the type of care you or your loved one requires. For individuals showing signs of memory loss or other symptoms related to cognitive decline, such as confusion or difficulty concentrating, memory care is often the best option.
Fox Trail Memory Care Living offers all-inclusive memory care to aging adults in north and central New Jersey, as well as those in Manhattan, NY. Our comprehensive and professional approach includes wellness and lifestyle programs, including our HOPE Program, which provides residents with the extra medical care they need.
Our memory care communities also offer residents a wide range of luxurious amenities and other services to enhance their residency. For more information about the outstanding memory care offered at Fox Trail Memory Care Living, contact us today to schedule a tour.