Columbia University recently conducted a nationally representative study of cognitive impairment in older adults. They found that 22% of seniors have mild cognitive impairment, and 10% have dementia. In seniors age 90 and up, that number increases to 35%.
How can families determine whether a loved one has dementia or mild cognitive impairment? How do you decide between assisted living and memory care services?
This question almost always requires input from medical care professionals. However, there are some indicators that can help you navigate your different senior care options.
Read on to learn the differences between assisted living and memory care and how to choose between the two.
What Are Assisted Living Communities?
First let’s talk about assisted living advantages and features. From basic daily support to increased socialization, assisted living provides the care needed by most seniors.
Level of Care
In assisted living communities, residents are given a balance of independence, privacy, and support. Seniors live in their own private quarters, typically one or two-bedroom apartments. They can also receive daily assistance with activities like:
- Grooming and bathing
- Dressing
- Ambulating
- Cleaning
- Medication management
Plus, residents can receive three chef-prepared meals a day, either in the community dining room or in their apartments. The goal of assisted living is to give seniors the basic care they need to lead happy, healthy lives.
Activities and Programs
Assisted living community features are a major attraction for seniors looking to transition to a more care-oriented environment. In addition to the assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) we mentioned above, residents can also enjoy:
- Planned on-campus activities like game nights
- Organized community outings to local shops and restaurants
- Wellness programs and fitness classes
These activities promote socialization while infusing each day with fun and novelty. Participating is a great way to meet neighbors and embrace new hobbies.
Staff Training
Assisted living caregivers bring professionalism to everything they do. They receive thorough training in order to provide:
- Assistance with ADLs
- Medication management support
- Senior companionship
They may also receive ongoing training on subjects like fall prevention.
What Are Memory Care Services?
Now, let’s talk about memory care benefits and what families can expect when moving their loved ones into a top-notch memory care community. At Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City, our memory care unit is on the same campus as our assisted living apartments. However, the level of care and services increase.
Level of Care
In memory care programs, seniors will receive the same type of assistance with ADLs as their assisted living neighbors. However, they may need more rigorous or continuous assistance. Plus, memory care programs may provide:
- A higher staff-to-resident ratio to promote safety and security
- More structure to manage feelings like confusion
- Specialized cognitive support
Memory care residents do enjoy the privacy of their own apartments. However, the increased presence of trained caregivers can support health and safety at a more advanced level.
Activities and Programs
Some memory care residents may be able to participate in assisted living activities. Others may benefit from specialized activities and programs that cater to:
- Shifting attention spans
- Emotional fluctuations
- Difficulty with linear instructions
For example, research published by the National Library of Medicine suggests that seniors with dementia struggle with prolonged attention.
To account for this unique quality, Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City offers programs like “Food on the Run.” This initiative provides food to seniors who struggle to focus on eating a meal and need to eat while moving around.
Staff Training
The caregivers working in memory care units start with the same level of training that assisted living caregivers receive. However, they also receive specialized training to accommodate the needs and behaviors of seniors with dementia.
For example, memory care staff members are prepared to deal with behaviors like time-shifting. As defined by the Alzheimer’s Society, time-shifting can make seniors believe they’re in a different time period. Memory care staff know how to respond to time-shifting without creating undue emotional distress.
How to Choose Between Senior Care Options
What are the top considerations when deciding between assisted living and memory care services? Here’s a quick breakdown of the factors that can impact which senior care option is best for your loved one.
Independence and Safety
First, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few questions about your loved one in regard to independence and safety. For example:
- How much intervention do they need each day?
- Are they able to make decisions like when to eat meals and when to socialize?
- Are they prone to wandering and getting lost?
As we mentioned earlier, memory care benefits include increased staff presence. This creates more safety for seniors who aren’t able to live as independently.
Cognitive Abilities
Next, consider your loved one’s cognitive abilities. For example:
- Do their cognitive abilities remain steady throughout the day or lessen at certain times?
- Do they struggle to remember where they are or who they’re talking to?
- Does memory loss create emotional or behavioral shifts?
Seniors typically require memory care when their cognitive abilities significantly impact their mood, behavior, and awareness.
Medical Evaluations
Finally, we do recommend that you take your loved one’s medical evaluations into consideration. There are certain medical conditions that can mimic the symptoms of dementia. For example, severe dehydration can diminish cognitive abilities.
Start with a diagnosis. Even if your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, they may benefit from memory care. The right services and programs can support their changing needs in the present and future.
Tour Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City for Quality Senior Care
Are you looking for senior care options for your loved one? It’s important to understand the differences between assisted living and memory care services. Use this guide to inform your decision and talk to medical professionals about your loved one’s cognitive health.
At Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City, we provide several care options for our residents. Our exclusive SHINE memory care program provides purpose-driven care and enrichment for seniors with serious memory loss. Schedule a tour to learn more about our community offerings.
