Choosing a long-term care community can be challenging since levels of care, amenities, staff training, and cost vary widely. When it comes to caring for a loved one who is experiencing cognitive decline, you may need to choose between general assisted living and specialized memory care. Understanding their unique benefits can help you make an informed decision between a nursing home and a memory care community.
According to the National Council on Aging, “a memory care community provides specialized residential care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.” Meanwhile, a nursing home is a place to care for people who do not need to be in a hospital but cannot care for themselves at home. In most nursing homes, nurses and aides are on duty 24 hours a day.
Here are five key differences between the two:
1. Staff Training for Providing Care
Both nursing homes and memory care communities have staff that can assist residents with their daily activities. However, in memory care communities, staff members are professionally trained to deal specifically with dementia and monitor residents 24 hours a day. The goal is to help seniors with dementia maintain their cognitive skills, sense of self, and quality of life as long for as long as possible.
2. Amenities Offered
Memory care and nursing homes typically offer a range of amenities to help seniors feel comfortable. Both may provide meals, recreation, and life enrichment opportunities. However, while nursing homes and memory care communities offer a calendar of events and entertainment, only memory care communities have activities specifically designed to help seniors cope with memory loss.
3. Safety and Security
Wandering is a significant risk factor for people with dementia, as they become vulnerable when they leave the safety of their home or community. To prevent wandering, memory care communities have doors with special locks to keep residents from leaving their rooms in a confused state. Both nursing homes and memory care communities prioritize safety, but memory care communities are designed to decrease confusion and create a calming environment for residents with memory problems. Safety features help reduce the risk of injuries, anxiety, and aggression among residents.
4. Specialized Activities
Several activities, including music therapy, have been shown to allow people with dementia to access different areas of their brains. Memory care communities provide activities specifically designed for people with dementia to meet their unique cognitive needs, while nursing homes primarily focus on keeping residents occupied and entertained.
5. Costs
Many factors affect the costs of nursing homes and memory care communities, including location, amenities, and services provided. Nursing homes charge a base monthly rate for room and board, housekeeping, activities, and transportation to and from appointments. Memory care communities tend to be more costly because residents need more assistance with activities of daily living. Residents also receive more specialized care and services, which can affect the overall rates.
Choosing What’s Best for Your Loved One
Nursing homes and memory care communities offer different types of care. Regardless of which community is best for your loved one, the most important thing is to prioritize their needs. It’s always a good idea to do your research and consult with health professionals. Visit both types of communities yourself to ensure you’re making the right choice.
At Grand Brook Memory Care, we’ve been supporting families on their memory care journey for over two decades. If you’d like to speak with one of our compassionate team members or learn more about our specially designed memory care communities in North Texas, Indiana, Michigan, or Arkansas, please contact us today.
