Dementia is a devastating disease that affects about 5 million people in the United States. It is a progressive condition that primarily impacts older adults, and it is estimated that one out of every five individuals over 65 will develop some form of dementia. However, not all aging family members with dementia need to be placed in full-time care facilities. Traditional memory care options provide residents with an environment that closely mimics their former homes with assistance from qualified caregivers specializing in dementia care. These programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other types of memory loss as they transition into retirement. But you might not know that there are two main types of Memory Care: traditional and advanced. Traditional memory care usually focuses on physical health, while advanced memory care focuses on cognitive health. So which one is right for your loved one? Here’s everything you need to know about traditional vs advanced memory care in Boca Harbour, FL —and what they can do to help you or your loved one live better with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia:
Staffing And Training Requirements
It’s important to know that staff-to-resident ratios are different for traditional and advanced care facilities.
Traditionally, fewer staff members worked in a community compared to how many residents they served. But now, with more emphasis on self-care, fewer people may be needed to take care of each person in traditional memory care.
As far as training goes, some states require that certain workers have special certifications or licenses for caring for people with dementia as well as other health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. These requirements should be checked before you move into an assisted living community.
The Physical Environment
There is a broad range of care options available for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This can make it difficult for families to determine which memory care is best for their loved ones. Traditional, homelike Retirement communities provide an environment that feels more like home. In contrast, advanced memory care offers a more structured setting that may be better suited to some individuals depending on their needs. Both types are designed to meet the unique requirements of each resident and create a comforting place where they can thrive.
Whether you choose traditional or advanced memory care, it’s important that your loved one feels at home during their time there so they can get back to doing what they love most: living life!
Individualized Memory Care Programs
The traditional and advanced memory care programs offer individualized care plans for each resident, but some differences exist. The conventional model of care often involves a licensed nurse or medical professional who will meet with your loved one to determine their needs and create an individualized plan based on those needs.
In contrast, the advanced level of care typically offers separate units within the Retirement community that has been specifically designed to provide residents with more independence (and therefore require less monitoring). These units may have different layouts than traditional units and offer activities tailored to each resident’s specific needs.
Because these environments were built for individuals with differing levels of dementia rather than families who just want someone else to take over their loved one’s health care responsibilities, they tend not only to be smaller but also more specialized in their offerings.
Conclusion
Both types of care can be a great option for senior care. The decision is based on the person’s needs, as well as their preferences, which may change over time. The needs of the person and their family should also be considered when deciding which type of care to choose.
