If your parent is showing dementia signs, it might be time to move to memory care.
Watching a parent struggle with daily tasks is never easy, and finding the right care can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know which one is the best fit? Assisted living and memory care may sound similar, but they offer different levels of support. Let’s walk through this process together to understand the difference between assisted living and memory care.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a type of independent senior care that offers help with daily tasks. Think of it as a cozy apartment complex with a built-in safety net. It’s designed for seniors who are mostly independent but need a little help with everyday tasks (cooking, cleaning, remembering to take medications, etc.).
What assisted living usually offers
● Private or semi-private living spaces
● Assistance with daily activities (like dressing or bathing)
● Housekeeping and laundry services
● On-site dining
● 24/7 staff for safety and support
These senior care communities also offer social activities, housekeeping, and transportation, creating a safe and engaging environment. While staff is available 24/7, assisted living does not provide intensive medical care. It’s a good fit for seniors who need some assistance but can still navigate their day with a level of autonomy.
Assisted living is a great option if your loved one still enjoys their autonomy but would benefit from a supportive community. Think of it as independent living with an easy-access “help” button when needed.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is assisted living with specialized support for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The staff in memory care communities is trained to handle memory-related issues, and the facilities are built to provide a safe, structured environment where residents can thrive without the risks that come with memory loss (like wandering off).
What do Memory Care facilities provide
● Secured facilities to prevent wandering
● Structured routines to reduce stress and anxiety
● Staff trained in dementia care who know how to handle confusion, agitation, or repetitive behaviors with patience and expertise
● Activities tailored to cognitive abilities, like music therapy or memory games, to keep minds engaged
● A higher level of supervision and hands-on assistance
Memory care units offer features that are meant to keep your loved one safe. Its facilities may include delayed egress doors, keypad entries, or codes needed to use the elevator. All of these features are there to prevent residents from getting lost.
The staff is also trained to deal with increasingly severe symptoms, and there are fewer patients per staff member.
How to know when it’s time to move to Memory Care
This is the tough part. Nobody wants to think about transitioning a loved one from assisted living to memory care, but sometimes it becomes necessary.
You could start noticing some changes. Your loved one may still be physically able to do their laundry, cooking, or bathing, but maybe they’re no longer able to be trusted with their own money. Here are some signs it may be time:
● Frequent forgetfulness: Your parent or loved one is regularly getting lost, forgetting important events, or misplacing items in odd places.
● Increased wandering: Your loved one keeps trying to “go home” when they’re already home, or they’ve wandered off and gotten lost.
● Personality changes: Another sign is that they’re becoming increasingly agitated, aggressive, or anxious, especially in the evening.
● Declining hygiene and nutrition: Daily self-care has gone out the window and mealtime has become a battle of confusion or resistance.
● Safety concerns: They’ve left the stove on, forgotten how to use everyday appliances, or had frequent falls.
Before deciding to move your loved one to a memory care facility, make sure to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the differences between assisted living and memory care so you can focus on what matters most: your loved one’s well-being. With the right support in place, they can feel safe, engaged, and cared for in a way that meets their needs.
If you’re looking for the best senior living communities near you, take a look at our Memory Care facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.