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Key Differences Between Assisted Living and Memory Care

When you’re exploring senior living communities for yourself or a loved one, you’ll quickly discover that most leading communities offer multiple living programs to suit their unique residents’ needs. Alongside Independent Living, where residents are mostly self-sufficient, they also offer Assisted Living and Memory Care.

There can be some crossover between these programs and the services and support offerings within them. As a result, it’s not always easy to decide which option is right for you or your family member. Learning about some of the key differences may help you make your decision with confidence:

Care Offerings

You can expect exceptional care in both Assisted Living and Memory Care programs at leading senior living communities. However, the care offerings can differ between these two programs based on resident needs and health.

Most residents in Assisted Living receive a balance of independence and support. They don’t require extensive medical care but typically need help with daily activities. Meal preparation, medication management, dressing, and bathing are all tasks that you can receive help with.

Memory Care residents typically receive more specialized care. Care services are often tailored to the unique challenges they’re experiencing at various times, such as cognitive decline and behavioral difficulties.

Employee Expertise and Experience

Care associates across all living programs in standout senior living communities are passionate about their work and helping their residents live life to the fullest. However, the level of training they receive can depend on the residents they look after.

All care associates receive training to care for residents. However, those working with Memory Care residents typically receive more specialized training. This extra training can help them understand the progression of cognitive diseases and how those diseases result in particular behaviors. They can also handle the needs and behaviors associated with memory loss.

Living Environment

Whether you or a loved one enters Memory Care, Assisted Living, or Independent Living, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and comfortable living environment in most standout senior living communities.

However, there are a few distinct differences between Assisted Living and Memory Care for safety reasons. Most Assisted Living residents enjoy a more open environment with fewer security measures. They can move around the community with reasonable freedom.

Memory Care residents with cognitive decline typically live in comfortable but more secure environments. It’s not uncommon to see locked doors, safety measures, and alarms to prevent wandering. Layouts also tend to be designed for reduced confusion and agitation.

Programs and Activities

Programs and activities are integral to everyday life in top-rated senior living communities. They allow for fun, engagement, socialization, and making friends. The type of activities you can expect as a senior living resident can depend on your living program.

Those in Assisted Living often look forward to an array of activities revolving around socialization, recreation, and wellness. The goal is to keep residents active and engaged while fostering new interests.

In Memory Care, activities are typically catered to residents and their abilities while also stimulating their cognitive functions. Many different therapies are also provided, which involve sensory stimulation and reminiscence therapy. The goal is to help residents feel comfortable, relaxed, and safe while assisting them in retaining their life skills for as long as possible.

Learn More About Assisted Living and Memory Care at Briarview Senior Living

Choosing a living program to suit you or your loved one’s unique needs can take time. Are you ready to learn more about the differences between Memory Care and Assisted Living? Contact the friendly team at Briarview Senior Living today. We look forward to showing you around our community and sharing information about our multiple living options.

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