Assisted Living and Memory Care: Which Option to Choose?

When seniors transition out of their home into a senior community, it can be for a variety of reasons, but the simplest is they need assistance in one form or another. Some may need help with activities of daily living while others may need help navigating Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Based on your loved one’s needs, you may need to decide between assisted living and memory care options.

This blog will explore the distinctions between assisted living and memory care, focusing on the services provided, the types of residents served and the environments offered.

Key Differences Between Assisted Living and Memory Care

When exploring senior care options for yourself or a loved one, you’ll find many choices available. Two of the most popular options are assisted living communities and memory care neighborhoods. The primary distinction between assisted living and memory care lies in the level of care offered and who delivers that care.

Both assisted living communities and memory care settings are long-term care options that provide a variety of medical, personal and social services. Understanding the benefits of these different senior living options, the levels of care they offer and how to choose the right fit is crucial when considering senior care.

The cost of assisted living and the cost of memory care can vary from community to community. However, in most cases, due to increased supervision and care, memory care communities are going to cost more than assisted living communities.

Environment

Assisted living is a care community designed to offer both personal and medical support to seniors in a homelike environment, with an emphasis on maintaining their independence. But who is eligible for assisted living? Typically, it’s ideal for seniors who want to remain active but need help with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs).

Dementia impacts all five senses, not just memory and cognitive abilities, leading to changes in how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. This can make everyday environments overwhelming or even distressing. Memory care caregivers and communities are trained to address these sensory challenges by creating environments that are not only safe but also soothing and supportive.

Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley’s memory care program, Generations memory care, features reduced noise levels, as loud or chaotic surroundings can be particularly unsettling for those with dementia. The lighting is softer and more consistent, minimizing harsh contrasts and shadows that can confuse or disorient residents.

Tactile considerations are also important; soft, familiar textures are used throughout the living spaces to offer a sense of security and ease. Additionally, the colors and decor in memory care communities are chosen with intention, using soothing tones and avoiding patterns that might cause confusion or agitation.

Team Member Training and Expertise

In our assisted living community, our assisted living caregivers are extensively trained to deliver exceptional care with compassion. Residents often maintain their independence with the support they need when necessary and still engage in independent activities such as taking advantage of assisted living amenities.

In our Generations memory care neighborhood, memory care caregivers undergo specialized training in dementia care, which is distinct from standard caregiving practices. This customized training includes managing structured routines, offering targeted therapies and providing continuous supervision.

Generations memory care caregivers focus on ensuring safety and cognitive stimulation for residents, while maintaining a calm and supportive environment. They follow a customized program designed specifically to address the needs of those with cognitive impairments. Additionally, safety measures are incorporated into daily living, such as secured entrances to deter wandering and navigational signs to reduce confusion.

The availability of memory care caregivers at Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley helps reduce dementia caregiver burnout, ensuring that every employee is fully engaged with the residents in every aspect of their day.

Make the Right Choice

When deciding between assisted living and memory care options, it’s important to assess your loved one’s needs to determine which option is best. Needs for seniors evolve over time. Consider the current and future needs of the senior and if the community can accommodate changing needs over time.

You may ask, “When is it time to move from assisted living to memory care?” If your loved one is beginning to exhibit signs of dementia or cognitive impairment, early intervention in a memory care environment can be profoundly beneficial. Memory care communities are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals with cognitive challenges, providing an environment that supports their well-being and enhances their quality of life.

When touring assisted living and memory care communities, it’s crucial to engage in various aspects of the community experience. Participate in some of the activities for individuals with dementia, observe the mealtimes, and take note of the daily routines and tasks. This firsthand involvement will give you a clearer picture of how your loved one will be integrated into the community and how they will be comforted and cared for.

As you can see, there are a variety of benefits of memory care and benefits of assisted living, and the decision between the two is highly personal for each resident. Residents, family members and doctors can help assess the right care option based on current and evolving needs.

If you are just beginning to navigate assisted living vs. memory care and choosing the right community for your loved one, don’t worry – our team at Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley is here to help you navigate the decision-making process. We are sure that we will be able to find the perfect spot for your loved one in our community.