Understanding The Difference Between Assisted Living And Memory Care

You know you need help, but what kind of help? Is it assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, or something else? It can be confusing to sort out all the different senior living options available to your aging parents or grandparents. If you’re not careful, you can choose the wrong one without realizing it until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between assisted living and memory care at the life care center of Gwinnett in Georgia.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of housing that provides the basics of everyday living assistance. Residents live in their apartments and have access to services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, meals, social activities, and more. Services differ from community to community but generally include help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medications. The life care center of Gwinnett offers assisted living and compassionate, personalized senior healthcare for your loved ones with pride.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is the type of senior care that focuses on the needs of those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care helps those living with these conditions by providing a safe environment and reducing their risk of developing new health conditions. Memory care is also focused on reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as anxiety, depression, and apathy.

This type of senior care can help people maintain their cognitive abilities for as long as possible while supporting them. For example, at the life care center of Gwinnett, they provide each resident with an individualized activity program to engage their minds in purposeful and meaningful ways. They also offer one-on-one interactions with their staff members to improve memory retention further and allow our residents to feel comfortable.

How Is Assisted Living Different From Memory Care?

Assisted living communities are designed to help people who need some assistance with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and cooking. Memory care communities are designed to focus on the needs of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Residents in memory care facilities often need more intense supervision and assistance with daily activities, including safety measures such as eating and walking. This can mean that assisted living is a better choice for seniors who are still relatively independent and capable of taking care of themselves. Memory care offers 24-hour monitoring from staff members to assist residents with their personal needs and keep them safe from hazards.

Many families consider assisted living and memory care for their loved ones as a means of getting care for their aging parent or family member. But, it’s important to remember that each type of community has its guidelines and strict rules regarding what sort of assistance residents can receive with daily tasks.

In Brief

Assisted living facilities provide 24-hour care in a home-like environment. They are designed for seniors who need help with activities of daily living but do not require constant medical supervision. A memory care facility provides around-the-clock supervision and assistance with all personal needs, including bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. This type of care is designed for those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.