Are you debating getting assisted living vs. memory care for your senior parent? Both senior care services are long-term but have different support and specialization levels. This post will cover the key differences between these two types of senior care.
Assisted Living vs Senior Care: What’s the Difference?
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily activities like medication management, meal preparation, and cleaning. However, they can still live independently. Assisted living centers will also offer things like fitness classes, social activities, and health services.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specific type of assisted living for seniors with dementia. These communities have a secure environment with trained staff who can provide 24/7 care. They also have activities and programs that meet their unique needs.
Level of Care
Assisted living offers moderate care, while memory care provides a high level of service. The staff in an assisted living facility help with medication, cooking, shopping, and other aspects of daily life. There are optional services like dressing, grooming, and using the bathroom. In comparison, memory care facilities provide round-the-clock support in all activities. It also includes a much closer level of supervision.
Specialization
Assisted living gives general support to seniors, while memory care closely monitors seniors. It provides closer care, and the staff offers exercises and programs to help with memory issues.
Security
Both facilities have security measures, but memory care has extensive rules and requires additional resources. General security at assisted living might include access control and camera systems. Memory care facilities have limited entry and exit points, restricted areas, and several daily check-ins.
Cost
Memory care communities cost more than assisted living facilities. Depending on a senior’s needs, assisted living costs around $2000-$6000 monthly. On the other hand, memory care costs range from $6,935-$10,000 a month.
The best way to know what type of care suits your loved one is to assess their condition. Assisted living is a good option for seniors needing assistance with daily living. If your loved one has dementia, memory care is best.
You may ask a doctor or geriatric care manager for further advice on assisted living vs. memory care.
Spring House Senior Living
At Spring House, we understand that finding the right senior living community can be challenging. That’s why we offer a variety of amenities and services to cater to different needs and preferences.
Schedule a tour of one of our communities in Cartersville, Lithia Springs, or Louisville today. You’ll see why Spring House is the ideal choice for senior living.
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