Two of the most common types of long-term care, assisted living and memory care, are designed to accommodate older adults' unique needs and challenges.
However, there are significant differences between the two.
Understanding the difference between assisted living and memory care is critical to making the right choice for yourself or a loved one.
What is Memory Care?
An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis is devastating for individuals and their families. If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, you’re not alone. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Memory care communities are a specialized form of long-term care designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, or cognitive decline.
Benefits of Memory Care Communities
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are complex progressive diseases that can be overwhelming for families.
Caring for a loved one with cognitive decline can be physically and emotionally exhausting for caregivers. Memory care communities like Allegro’s Ensemble Memory Care program provide families with valuable information, support, and resources.
Here are some of the ways families and residents benefit from memory care communities:
- Friendly Atmosphere: A serene and nurturing environment with living spaces that encourage self-sufficiency in soothing personal living spaces
- Professional Staff: Staff who are trained to support and care for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive decline
- Person-centered Care: Residents receive individualized care tailored to meet their needs
- Life Skill Centers: Activities designed to engage residents, prompt pleasant memories, and relive previous life skills
- Enhanced Safety Features: Secured doors, 24/7 security, and keypad entrances to prevent wandering
Memory Care Services and Amenities
Memory care residents have access to a variety of services and amenities, including:
- Housekeeping and personal laundry
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming and eating
- Fitness classes
- Health and wellness programs
- Sensory dining experiences with music and freshly chef-prepared meals
What is Assisted Living?
Today’s seniors are looking for long-term care solutions that provide an active lifestyle, and opportunities to meet and connect with peers in a safe and vibrant environment.
Assisted living communities are perfect for active seniors who don’t require extensive medical care or supervision but need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, and eating.
Benefits of Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities like Allegro focus on personal support by combining the conveniences and comfort of community living with the independence of a private apartment.
Allegro’s Assisted Living Communities benefit residents in the following ways:
- Maintenance- free living: Apartment maintenance and repairs
- Safe Environment: Guard rails, secure entrances, security cameras, 24/7 staff
- Social Opportunities: Mixers, happy hours, cooking classes, Sunday brunches, lectures, continuing education classes, group-oriented activities
- Planned Activities and Events: Art classes, book clubs, wine tastings, and volunteer opportunities Luxury Living Spaces: Spacious private one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living Services and Amenities
Assisted living communities enhance seniors’ overall well-being by providing a range of services and resort-like amenities.
- Housekeeping and personal laundry
- Medication management and reminders
- Pools
- Beauty salons and spas
- Fitness centers and classes
- Transportation to offsite excursions and events
- Chef-prepared meals
Choosing Between Assisted Living and Memory Care
Evaluate your loved one’s physical, mental, cognitive health, and emotional needs before choosing between assisted living and memory care. Involve your loved one in the decision-making process, and speak to a physician if you’re noticing signs of cognitive decline. This will give you an understanding of their needs and preferences.
Although many assisted living communities can accommodate seniors with mild memory loss, those with more advanced symptoms may need the specialized care offered in a memory care community.
Most assisted living and memory care communities require a formal assessment by healthcare professionals to determine the best type of care, so this decision will not weigh solely on your shoulders.
Allegro Senior Living Offers Assisted Living and Memory Care
Memory care and assisted living communities are both fantastic resources for seniors. Both offer convenient services, amenities, and support in a safe environment.
However, memory care staff are specifically trained to care for individuals with cognitive impairment. Having a clear understanding of the differences between the two is critical to making an informed decision.
If you have questions or need help deciding which option is best for yourself or a loved one, contact an Allegro advisor for more information. If you’re interested in learning more about memory care and what’s offered at Allegro, download our FREE Guide to Memory Care today!
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