Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].
Q: I am researching options for my senior loved one who has memory issues. What’s the difference between assisted living and memory care?
A: Assisted living is a form of care that is intended for individuals who have lost some of their abilities or need some extra assistance to live as independently as possible. This can encompass anything from simple medication management to all the activities of daily life, such as grooming, bathing, dressing, mobility and eating, just to name a few.
Memory care is designed for the specific, unique needs of individuals living with dementias like Alzheimer’s disease. It includes specialized programming, team members who are trained to handle and redirect unwanted behaviors, and a specially designed community that keeps those with memory impairment safe and secure.
Assisted living and memory care don’t necessarily have to be independent of one another. In fact, the best care – for those with memory issues – brings the two together to provide the highest quality of life and an enriching, fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH communities are memory care assisted living communities, bringing the best of both forms of care into one unique lifestyle. This allows us to care for individuals who are in all stages of their memory loss journey, whether they’re at the very beginning or are in the end stages of the disease.
Our thoughtfully designed, self-contained households provide a homelike feel while also providing design features to support those with memory loss. Specialized lighting and privacy panels in the living room areas limit distractions. Carpets are plain and seamless to help with easy navigation through the households. Suites feature motion sensor lighting and contrasting colors to help residents find their way. Exit doors in the households are painted to blend with the walls to deter wandering. Controlled access to our beautiful, secure courtyard allows for autonomy and promotes the benefits of being outdoors. These research-based design and safety features help to manage common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and allow residents to have dignity and independence in their home environment.
Our assisted living services provide personal care options to help our residents live as independently as possible. Residents receive assistance with the activities of daily living – as needed – from a dedicated, caring team. While assisted living communities typically tailor their wellness and care plans to individual resident needs, dedicated memory care communities like Bridges® by EPOCH take it a step further and provide specialized support from caregivers who are trained to handle the unique challenges and symptoms that come along with memory loss.
At dedicated memory care communities, life enrichment activities are also modified to the interests and abilities of the residents, encouraging successful participation. A wide range of dedicated programs, including dementia-friendly technologies, are utilized to boost self-esteem and create moments of joy and purpose in daily life for residents.
In short, Bridges® by EPOCH memory care assisted living communities offer the best of both worlds – the personalized care and support of assisted living and the specialized memory care approach that helps individuals live fulfilled, enriched lives.
If you visit one of our campuses, you’ll see residents thriving in a homelike atmosphere, filled with open spaces, natural sunlight and comfortable surroundings. They’re socializing with one another in groups as well as enjoying one-on-one activities designed to their interests. They’re enjoying delicious meals in the company of others, spending time in our secure, outdoor courtyard and receiving the support they need to live as independently as possible while celebrating their skills and abilities that remain. And that, above all, is what’s most important.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.
We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength, so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.
Inspiration for Success
At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents each day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.