Seniors now have many options regarding where to live when they need help with chores and other necessities. Retirement communities now offer a range of services, including memory care.
Choosing the right assisted living center the first time can prevent you from having to switch living centers later. You may be wondering, “What is the difference between memory care and nursing care?”
What Is Memory Care?
One in 10 Americans ages 65 and older live with dementia. Individuals who show early to advanced signs of memory loss can benefit from memory care. This focused form of long-term care is customized to meet the needs of individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another neurodegenerative condition.
The progression of dementia can impact a person’s cognitive functions, making everyday activities increasingly challenging. Memory care facilities, like those offered by Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, provide structured support tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals facing memory-related difficulties.
Memory care services focus on maintaining residents’ comfort, dignity, and safety. When taking a personalized approach to care that takes into consideration the unique needs of each resident, it can increase the comfort and safety the resident experiences. Facilities designed with memory care patients in mind might incorporate calming elements, familiar settings that they may have found at home, and even secure walking paths.
Therapies offered might include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Art
- Music
- Group sessions aimed at improving cognitive function and maintaining mental flexibility
When these therapies, and others are combined with a compassionate staff who prioritize residents’ physical and emotional health, memory care treatment can help the whole of a patient rather than just focusing on the problem. Often, facilities will utilize staff that are trained in memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia to help respond to a variety of patient needs and focus on proper memory care.
What Is Nursing Care?
A person turning 65 today has nearly a 70% likelihood of requiring some form of long-term care services and support during the rest of their life. Nursing care proves comprehensive support and medical attention to individuals who require regular assistance with their daily living needs and health.
Nursing homes are staffed by licensed nurses who perform many of the functions they would normally perform in a hospital setting. Nursing care promotes the recovery, well-being, and comfort of patients by managing their medical conditions, providing treatments, and administering medications.
Nursing home staff members also help with basic daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, particularly for individuals who may be elderly, disabled, or recovering from surgery or illness. Nursing homes generally do not provide the lively social activities found at assisted living centers.
Which Option Is Right for My Loved One?
Not every nursing home or assisted living center offers memory care. Even when they say they do, the quality of those services could vary widely. If your loved one is showing early signs of dementia or was recently diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition, it is likely time to begin exploring which nearby assisted living centers can provide the level of care they need. Our team members are trained to handle more advanced stages of dementia as well.
Assisted living centers provide interactive activities and social events that can help your loved ones feel at ease while keeping their brain stimulated. If you are looking for a safe and comfortable environment that provides comprehensive memory care, we invite you to learn more about our memory care programs.
Q: What Is the Difference Between Memory Care and Nursing Home Care?
A: Memory care provides support for individuals with dementia or severe memory loss, focusing on cognitive support and safety in a structured environment. Nursing home care offers broader medical and personal assistance for individuals with various health needs, including chronic conditions and complex medical issues.
While memory care is tailored to managing dementia symptoms, nursing homes provide comprehensive medical care and supervision for overall health management.
Q: Can a Dementia Patient Be Admitted to a Nursing Home?
A: A dementia patient can be admitted to a nursing home, especially if their care needs include both medical attention and support for daily activities. Nursing homes offer medical care and supervision, making them suitable for individuals with advanced dementia who require extensive care beyond what memory care facilities provide. The choice depends on the patient’s specific health requirements and the level of care needed.
Q: Do Dementia Patients Do Better at Home or in a Nursing Home?
A: The right environment for dementia patients varies by individual. Some may thrive at home with the support of family and in-home care services, while others may benefit more from a nursing home or memory care facility that offers custom care, safety, and structured routines. Factors such as the severity of dementia, safety concerns, and available support should guide the decision.
Q: At What Point Do Dementia Patients Need 24-Hour Care?
A: Dementia patients typically require 24-hour care when they reach a stage where they can no longer perform daily activities independently, are at high risk of wandering or injury, or need constant supervision for safety and medical needs. This level of care ensures their safety and provides the necessary support for managing severe symptoms and complex health issues.
Schedule Your Memory Care Consultation Today
Now that you understand the difference between memory care and nursing care, you can take the next step by contacting Rocky Mountain Assisted Living to learn more about our memory care program. Our compassionate Lakewood memory care team, for example, can customize a memory care treatment plan that meets your loved one’s needs while addressing their medical condition.
Starting treatment soon after a diagnosis can help your loved one live a more fulfilling life. Our team can help you understand what your senior family member’s needs may be in the years to come and what benefits may be available to cover your expenses. Our memory care program offers effective and compassionate care to individuals of all ages and stages of memory decline. To schedule your consultation, contact our team today.