Choosing dementia assisted living is a popular option for aging adults who have mild memory loss but are still able to lead relatively independent lives. Memory care involves more focused care for people with severe memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.

Additionally, dementia assisted living is not regulated by the federal government and its definitions vary from state to state. Not all assisted living facilities offer services specifically designed for people with dementia. Dedicated memory care facilities provide round-the-clock care and long-term medical treatment.

Dementia Assisted Living

Dementia assisted living may be an apartment in a multi-unit building or in a duplex in a dedicated senior living community. Residents can bring their own furnishings and familiar household items. They may keep their car, for example, or bring their pets. They come and go at their own will, with minimal healthcare requirements.

Importantly, eligibility for admission to assisted living is based on the level of care the person requires. For instance, some people may need assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living) such as taking a bath or getting dressed, occasional assistance with cooking a meal, medication management and more. If they no longer drive they may need transportation to medical appointments, or shopping excursions. Even when a resident in an assisted living facility is mobile, they may need help with medications or some type of therapy.

Generally, aging seniors with very mild memory loss choose dementia assisted living over entering a nursing facility. In dementia assisted living, they can stay socially active and do most of the things they’ve always done, yet receive memory care when they need it.

Memory Care

A memory care facility differs from dementia assisted living in several ways. Residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia have specific and serious needs and require focused care. Not remembering who they are, feelings of being lost, frustration and agitation are issues that make memory care the best option for people with memory loss. In addition, a tendency to wander can pose a danger to themselves and to others, especially if they get aggressive when frustrated.

Memory care communities are designed in a specific way to accommodate people with memory loss issues. They have security measures in place to keep residents safe, are well-lit to eliminate shadows that may frighten residents, and circular walkways so residents do not encounter doors when wandering. Likewise, long-term memory care involves activities that trigger residents’ memories, creating an environment that seems familiar and less frightening.

Dementia Assisted Living and Memory Care Commonalities

The types of services that are frequently offered in both memory care and dementia assisted living are basic supervised nursing care, medical monitoring, and help with daily activities such as dressing, mobility, and hygiene.

Significantly, both dementia assisted living and memory loss residences offer structured activities or programs designed to nurture residents suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are opportunities for social activities, such as arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles and board games. They provide comfortable spaces that are devoted to simpler activities, such as music therapy. Consistency in the environment and the faces they see every day is important in memory care. The décor is home-like, more familiar to residents. 

Services that are usually offered in both types of care include:

• Access to medical care
• Emergency call systems
• Health and exercise programs
• Housekeeping and laundry service
• Social activities and programs
• 24-hour staff supervision and security
• Three daily meals
• Transportation

Additionally, people in both dementia assisted living and memory care enjoy having visitors. Family visits are encouraged at both assisted living residences and memory care facilities, as staying connected to loved ones is important to all aging adults.

When Memory Care Is Needed

As a person ages, they may simply need a little extra help with everyday tasks, or they may require more specialized nursing care. They may have age-related issues with mobility, or conditions such as dementia.

Choosing a senior residence for a loved one is difficult to do. When you or your loved one can no longer live at home, making the decision to move to a care facility can be an emotionally draining experience for everyone involved. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70% of adults over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. When they can no longer live independently, moving to assisted living or into memory care communities may be the best option.

Clover Care Home provides quality dementia assisted living memory care in Shawnee, KS, Johnson County, KS, Wyandotte County, KS, Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO and surrounding communities. We offer a wide range of activities to boost and sustain mental, physical and emotional health, no matter the age or condition. Senior adults can have a very rewarding life here – a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, eating right, and getting proper sleep. We encourage older adults to experience the fullness of life in the community with dignity, joy and the highest levels of independence their health will allow.

CLOVER CARE HOME 

913-991-2605

6320 Zarda Drive

Shawnee, KS 66226

Providing excellent dementia and Alzheimer’s long-term care since 2013.