Assisted living communities help seniors live comfortable, healthy lives. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, a number that’s expected to grow to 14 million by 2050. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between assisted living and memory care, so you can make the right decision for your loved one.
Staff Training
The staff at a memory care facility receive similar training to assisted living staff, but they’re also trained to help residents maintain cognitive skills and improve their quality of life. Staff members are also trained to deal with the behaviors that are unique to patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, which may include unexpected aggression and wandering off.
Staff-to-Resident Ratio
Another difference between assisted living and memory care is the number of staff members compared to the number of residents. Residents in memory care facilities typically need more constant care than the average assisted living resident, which means these facilities usually have more staff members.
Safety
Because people with memory issues are more prone to wandering and falls, there are more safety features in place at memory care facilities. All the entrances and exits are usually locked with keypads, and there are doorbells to let staff know when somebody enters or exits a room.
Design
Memory care facilities are specifically designed to make life easier for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. There are typically common areas that are easy to identify, with color coding to make it easier for patients to find their way around. Aside from these features, memory care facilities typically offer many of the same features as assisted living communities.
Cost
Because memory care residents require near-constant care, costs are typically higher with memory care facilities. Costs may also vary depending on the level of care a resident needs. That being said, there’s no substitute for a specialized memory care facility if that’s what your loved one needs, so the cost shouldn’t be a major concern.
If your parent or grandparent is starting to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, it’s important to get them the care they need. Memory care facilities are a great choice for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Want to learn more about the difference between assisted living and memory care? Contact VIA Elegante Assisted Living today.
