When you enter a retirement community, you will be assessed on whether you require assisted living or memory care. These are two different classes of programs targeted for different kinds of medical needs. It is reported that 70% of adults above 65 require long-term care, and many of these people have cognitive impairments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While someone who needs memory care might need assisted living, this overlap is not absolute. There are many nuanced differences between the two. Want to know more about the difference between memory care and assisted living in Wellington, FL, read on to find out more!
Professional Training
Team members of both assisted living and memory care programs have different skill sets. For example, team members at memory care facilities have to be alert and vigilant on a 24-hour basis. This is because seniors with Alzeimer’s Disease or dementia have trouble remembering their own routines and schedules, and may sometimes skip meals. This requires more close monitoring on the team members’ part. They also need to be trained to risk-manage seniors who have dementia or Alzeimer’s Disease when they suddenly become aggressive. Team members leading assisted living do not need to utilize these skills.
Safety
Seniors with memory loss are at higher risks of danger. For example, because they are unable to remember their routines, they may skip meals, leading to a lack of nutrition. They may also forget their whereabouts. This can cause them to wander around, and even fall, if there is no one in the vicinity to watch over them. Hence, the safety of the environment must be fortified in a memory care program. There has to be more locked entrances and exists to prevent seniors from wandering out. This allows nurses and team members to be able to observe their behavior. There should also be doorbells that ring when someone exits or enters. The layout of the apartments must also be conducive for memory care persons. There should be rubber mats in the bathroom to prevent one from falling. And the design of the apartment must evoke a sense of calm and serenity since seniors with dementia can get agitated and aggressive all of a sudden.
Activities and Therapies
Another important difference is the kind of activities and therapies that assisted living and memory care programs offer. For assisted living, professional team members are scheduled to help seniors with their daily tasks. They are also encouraged to socialize with other residents, as they are cognitively healthy to communicate clearly. They can enjoy a wide range of activities such as singing, gaming, and even travel out of the community to neighboring area attractions. Memory care programs, however, have more target therapies that help to reduce memory loss and improve their cognitive skills. Examples include music and art therapy to improve cognitive control.
If you are thinking of living in a retirement community, Discovery Village At Palm Beach Gardens is the best option. Here we provide state-of-the-art therapies for assisted and memory care programs. Our SHINE memory care program is reputable and effective. Contact us today to find out more and get an assessment for yourself or your loved one on which program suits you better.
