Both memory care and assisted living services are communities dedicated to the adults and seniors, who are usually retired, but their families are too busy and not skilled to take care of them. But, surely there is a huge difference between them.
At the very beginning of this article, we want to pay respects to all the families that can make a decision like that, recognizing the needs of their beloved members who struggle with different diseases, and severe memory loss. You are all great, and you did the right thing, easing their lives. There is nothing better than a skilled staff taking care of some particular health issues, because they will do it better than you anyway, but you still can visit your parents or grandparents at these facilities, and spend the needed time with them.
And now, let’s see the difference between these two types of institutions or private residences, dedicated to elder members of our families:
Memory Care
This is an option for those who are unable to take care of themselves and need professional help. Most of the clients in memory care centers are elder people who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, or any other disease or condition that requires regular medical attention, and access to treatment. These centers provide 24/7 support for their clients in need.
Sometimes it becomes too difficult for the family to take care of the person who suffers some disease, especially dementia, and these facilities and the staff are specialized in taking care of the people who have memory issues. The program is well-structured, and there is always a professional in every shift who is taking care of the most critical patients. Also, there is a medical staff who works with those who have mild or severe dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms, to help them recover their memories, or connecting the dots from their life, staying aware and reasonable during their stay there.
Most of the time, it’s a lifetime solution for many families. In extreme cases, the patients start a new life there and don’t even recognize their families, which is very difficult, but they surely need professional care instead of staying at home and silently waiting for their death.
Leaving a loved family member there is a challenging and difficult decision. But, according to www.thearbor-al.com, it’s the best choice you can make, because you can be sure there is always someone who takes care of them like they are their family. And the best thing is that they can make new friends there, and never be bored or alone. We are sure it’s an important decision for your family, but you have to do what’s best for the family member who needs this type of help and support.
Assisted living
It’s a group residence for the people, mostly older adults, who are generally independent but still have some special needs and requirements that should be done by a skilled and educated medical staff. In these facilities, they are communicating between themselves, the families can come often to spend time with them, and they make friends for a lifetime since that’s the point of these services.
There are ethical questions too, especially for the families who let these people live in assisted living residence, but if they spend too much time alone, but still can’t do all the tasks at home that ensure independent living, this one is a great choice for both of them. The difference between this type of living and memory care is that these people are completely aware of their condition, and sometimes they are those who are making this decision.
Don’t mix these two things with nursing home
A nursing home is an institution where older adults can spend the rest of their lives. They are also known as long-term care homes, and the people who live there don’t necessarily need medical help. The main difference is the service they provide. In the memory care and assisted living facilities the clients have health issues, especially age-related ones.
Surely, they are similar, but healthier and aware people shouldn’t be in the same institution as those who have some health issues. Another similar thing is the educated medical staff, who is working with them, to help to accomplish the daily tasks. Also, there is always a doctor available, since older people need medical assistance more often than young adults.
How to choose the best facility for our beloved ones?
The reliable homes are approved by the local authorities since they need to have a license to work. That means, there can always be regular checkups and control over the quality of the service. You can ask their doctor to recommend a home or residence, or just explore the situation by yourself. Most of them are open to let the families see the facilities before they bring the older family members. It’s also important to compare the prices and see what you get for the amount you pay.
Also, check if they prepare homemade food, or they are buying pre-ready meals. It’s very important for older people to eat quality food and have the needed comfort.
You have the full right to ask every question that you think is important, including how they provide the help, how much does it cost for one month, can you get a discount if you pay for a whole year in advance, and how they respond in a case of emergency. Also, ask if they have additional activities for their spare time. Your parents or grandparents will probably spend the rest of their life there, and you surely want to let them have the most comfortable days, full of care, a loving environment, great nature surroundings, and a lot of new friends there.
Now you know the difference between these two types of facilities and the care and service they provide. You have plenty of options, but you have to choose them nicely and carefully, so you can be sure your loved family members will have a great time there.
