With assisted living, elders can receive assistance with daily living, companionship, freedom, privacy, and security. In some assisted living homes, you get a comfortable apartment, cleaning and maintenance, communal areas, shared meals, and activities. Memory care is a type of assisted living that is more specialized to fulfill the requirements of people who have Alzheimer’s disease or similar dementia. Additional safety elements are included in communities to ensure that people with cognitive impairments are cared for in a safe setting.
Several similarities exist between assisted living and memory care homes, such as apartment-style living, common rooms, and shared meals. Because many individuals are unfamiliar with the distinction, members of the community are asking about concerns regarding residential care. To understand what option is the best choice for your loved one, it’s important to understand the different services that assisted living and memory care provides.
Assisted Living
Socialization is one of the biggest advantages of assisted living. Musical entertainment, game evenings, films and historical lectures, art workshops, fitness, holiday celebrations, and faith-based events are some of the activities available in most communities. Individuals are capable of caring for themselves, albeit they may require assistance with medication, clothing, hygiene, cleaning, or exercising. If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulties with any of the above activities, assisted care homes have on-site caregivers who may provide as much or as little support as you need.
Memory Care
Memory care homes include enrichment activities, but they are primarily therapeutic in nature. Music therapy, for example, may be given in relation to musical entertainment, as music has been demonstrated to activate memories and improve communication in persons with dementia. Memory care also provides assistance with everyday routines. Employees in memory care communities understand the frustrations and difficulties of people with dementia. They have skills and tactics for dealing with problematic behaviors and assisting residents in leading meaningful lives.
How to Make your Decision?
Finding the right match for your loved one is a big task, and having guidance along the road might assist. You or a loved one may find assisted living to be a nice alternative if only a little assistance is needed. Memory care isn’t always provided in a separate community. Memory care wings are common in assisted living or skilled nursing homes. Seniors in memory care may participate in the same socializing and activities as other seniors, but with the extra security of 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Memory care is your best option if your older relative has considerable memory impairment and requires assistance most of the time or requires 24-hour supervision. Considering moving to a neighborhood with adequate healthcare facilities might be a good idea for you.
For elders wishing to settle in Florida, our community is a clear choice. Our facilities offer great senior assisted living home options, and SHINE Memory Care program. Schedule a tour today to learn more about our community.