Understanding the Differences Between Memory Care and Assisted Living
When it comes to senior care, adult children and family members tend to get confused by memory care facilities and assisted living communities. We can understand why, especially because assisted living and memory care services can overlap depending on what communities offer.
There are, however, some very distinct differences between assisted living facilities and memory care, and most often, you’ll find these differences in the types of care they provide. Below, we’re breaking down the major differences and the benefits you can find in assisted living vs. memory care.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Those looking to move a loved one to assisted living often do so because they need a level of support that can no longer be obtained at home and/or becomes too costly to maintain.
The decision to move to assisted living is also based on the many benefits assisted living communities offer, including:
- Personalized care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Home maintenance and housekeeping
- Delicious dining experiences
- Specially planned activities and events
- Wellness programs that help seniors remain as independent as possible
- A range of amenities
One thing most assisted living communities do not offer, however, is the specialized service of memory care.
Benefits of Memory Care
Loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia often need specialized care in communities offering memory care.
Memory care communities are created with the needs of those with memory loss in mind. This provides families peace of mind and ensures a safe, secure environment for those with memory loss. Some of the many benefits of memory care include:
- Long term care and support around the clock
- Keypad entries and exits that blend in with the surroundings
- Locked and secure memory care units provide additional safety
- Outdoor spaces designed for the safe exploration of nature
- Specially planned programs designed to meet various interests and abilities
- Multiple forms of holistic therapy to engage and soothe those with memory loss
- Team members with specialized training to care for the needs of those with memory loss
- Dining to meet nutritional needs, adapted based on abilities
What’s the Right Option for Your Loved One?
The right option for your loved one truly depends on when they need care, their needs, and whether they require only assisted living or a memory care community.
However, there is one more option we haven’t yet discussed: a Memory Care Assisted Living Community, which happens to be what Bridges® by EPOCH communities are.
Memory Care Assisted Living at Bridges® by EPOCH
In our communities, older adults with memory loss receive the dedicated memory care they need while reaping the benefits of assisted living.
We work closely with families to learn more about our residents to gain the necessary insight and deeper understanding, all so we can enhance personal connections, create meaningful relationships, and deliver highly individualized programming.
Ultimately, our teams work together to provide everything residents need to thrive and live with purpose.
- Communities planned by architects and designers who understand dementia’s challenges
- Created with elements that promote comfort, familiarity, and security
- Distinctive residential households offering both private and companion suites
- Fully enclosed, secure courtyard with sensory gardens and raised planter boxes
- Personalized care plans
- On-site licensed nurses around the clock
- Customized programming designed to improve communication, address behavioral symptoms, and engage residents
- Sensory therapies, including art, music, aroma, and pet therapy
- Wellness programs featuring fun ways to exercise
- Special outings to sporting events and favorite destinations
- Dementia-friendly technology to improve quality of life
We’re Here To Help
If you think memory care is the next step for your loved one, Bridges® is here to help. Contact us today so we can guide you through the process of getting this specialized support.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH memory care 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.
Bridges® by EPOCH communities are located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, in the following towns: Norwalk, CT; Stamford, CT; Trumbull, CT; Andover, MA; Hingham, MA; Lexington, MA; Mashpee, MA; Pembroke, MA; Sudbury, MA; Westford, MA; Westwood, MA; and Nashua, NH.