Seniors with special needs and/or dementia have choices in assisted living care. For those seeking care for senior parents, they need to know the differences in senior assisted living and memory care facilities.
Assisted Living Facilities
These facilities offer three meals and snacks, social and religious programs, transportation, and apartments with all the amenities of home. Some facilities offer housekeeping, laundry services, and cooking.
Seniors are given aid in daily activities along with reminders/assistance with medications. Seniors live independently with help when they need it.
Memory Care Facilities
Memory care senior assisted living includes all the offerings in assisted living facilities but with a different focus.
Memory care facilities offer security and supervision 24/7. Seniors have access to social programs and activities to help retain cognitive function. Some facilities offer both indoor and outdoor special places that soothe the senior. They’re never without security and supervision.
Which Should You Choose?
If your senior parent(s) only need help now and then with daily living and medications, then assisted living is the right choice. Conversely, memory or cognitive impairment often requires a memory care facility.
Some assisted living facilities offer both services, with a special area dedicated to seniors requiring memory care. Both types of facilities offer the same daily aid and activities, with memory care adding that extra touch for seniors with cognitive needs.
With memory care, the registered nurses, trained therapists, and security personnel all work around the clock to ensure the safety and serenity of their senior guests. This could increase costs, so should be considered when choosing an assisted living facility for your senior parent(s).
