The care and support of your aging parents have never been more critical. When considering the options for their care, it can be challenging to know what is best for your loved one. In this post, we will compare assisted living facilities with assisted living memory care in Drakes Branch, FL, to help you make an informed decision.
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: What type of care is needed?
Before diving into this topic, it’s important to understand that assisted living and memory care options can vary greatly depending on where you live. People may refer to “assisted living,” but it’s important not to assume that all assisted living communities are the same. Assisted living communities can range from facilities that offer little help with daily activities like bathing and dressing to those with more intensive medical care under one roof.
Memory care units are also quite varied in terms of what they provide—some only provide support for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and don’t offer assistance for other types of cognitive impairment; others provide more comprehensive services for individuals with varying degrees of memory loss. That being said, there are some commonalities between these two types of housing options:
- Both offer 24/7 supervision—which means someone is always available when you need assistance.
- Both offer meals cooked by professional chefs.
- Many have common areas (like lounges) where residents spend time together and participate in social activities.
- Residents generally live alone or share rooms with one other person who has similar needs (for example, an older woman living with a man).
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: How much does it cost?
Many factors determine how much assisted living costs are compared to memory care costs. The time each resident stays in the community throughout their life also affects price tags because more time equals more money spent over time. Typically speaking, though, you can expect prices for assisted Living to be lower than those found at memory care centers because they typically house fewer residents at once—about six people versus 20-40 people per building in most cases—and often have smaller teams as well (typically one doctor instead of three).
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: How is the atmosphere different?
The atmosphere in Assisted Living is usually more communal, with activities and events that facilitate socialization. It’s important to keep in mind that not all residents will be comfortable with this environment and may prefer a more intimate setting.
Memory care communities are focused on addressing the individual needs of their residents. They’re designed to promote peace and privacy for individuals who may want or need it. Because these facilities are designed for people with memory issues, they often provide more structure than other senior living options, including routine activities such as exercise classes or group lunches.
Conclusion
While there is no one size fits all solution to deciding on the proper care option, assisted Living and memory care offer valuable benefits. Assisted Living gives your loved one a wide range of activities, from arts and crafts to exercise programs that promote mobility. Memory Care focuses on helping those with dementia or Alzheimer’s live their best lives by providing specialized attention and a safe environment for those needing extra help with daily tasks like bathing or dressing. Each option has pros and cons, so it’s essential to understand what each offers before making a choice.
