Friendly locals, beautiful surroundings, and mild weather make Charlotte, NC, one of the most appealing destinations for retirees. It provides that sense of a close-knit community that can make senior life feel extra special.
If you are considering senior living, you’ve probably come across options such as assisted living vs. memory care. In this guide, we’ll explain what these two package types mean and help you discover which one is right for you or your loved one.
What Is Assisted Living in Charlotte, NC?
At TerraBella Little Avenue, we provide assisted living in Charlotte as one of our senior packages. This option is for residents who may need some help from care staff with everyday tasks but are still independent and want the freedom to spend their retirement as they please.
Help might include support with tasks such as:
- Medication management
- Bathing
- Dressing
Residents will also benefit from some of the other services we offer as part of our community, such as housekeeping, easing the burden on seniors and allowing them to focus more of their time on enjoyable activities and relaxing pastimes instead.
What Is Memory Care in Charlotte, NC?
Some seniors need more specialist support than what is on offer with assisted living because they face the challenge of cognitive issues. These are progressive conditions such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Other age-related memory loss
In these circumstances, trained staff are available to help residents navigate their day in a safe and structured manner. That means offering a routine and supporting and assisting residents with everyday tasks when memory loss symptoms become more advanced.
Staff are trained in how to handle some of the challenges that come with cognitive conditions and can communicate and help residents compassionately and professionally.
Understanding the Difference Between Assisted Living Vs. Memory Care
When comparing dementia care vs. assisted living, you’ll probably observe that both provide valuable support for seniors in TerraBella Little Avenue’s community. However, the main difference between the two is the level of supervision and specialist care.
Memory care in Charlotte involves different levels of senior support and more supervision to ensure the resident is safe at all times, especially when a cognitive condition progresses and is at a more advanced stage.
Assisted living, meanwhile, offers more independence for residents, with a helping hand only offered for the tasks where they are needed. Since both options are available under one roof, it gives families the flexibility to move from one to the other if there is a future diagnosis, such as dementia.
Creating Safe Environments for Our Seniors at TerraBella
Safety and security in our community are paramount, and there are many avenues we take to achieve that. Our buildings, for example, are designed for easy movement.
Rooms and passageways are spacious, flat, and safe for those with walking aids. There are features around the building for emergency support, such as alarms and handrails to help those with mobility issues.
Senior Living in Charlotte, NC: Health and Wellness
For our assisted living and memory care residents, life in the community extends beyond support from our friendly care team. Seniors also have access to a wide range of activities and amenities to help them reach their wellness goals. There are physical activities such as:
- Strength classes
- Exercise for those with limited mobility, such as chair yoga
- Walking activities
There are also classes that help with mental and emotional health, such as meditation and mindfulness, as well as spiritual support. All this ensures our residents can live an active life within our community.
Social Activities
Staying social in old age guards against loneliness. It’s one of the big advantages of moving into a senior living community.
At TerraBella, we arrange activities every week that our residents can join, allowing everyone the opportunity to meet people, have fun, and form friendships. That might be:
- Book clubs
- Movie nights
- Quizzes
- Group outings to Charlotte
There are also therapeutic activities that help support those with cognitive conditions. It means everyone gets to participate in the more social aspects of senior life, whatever their health challenges.
Choosing Senior Living in Charlotte: Exploring the Local Neighborhood
Beyond the community at TerraBella Little Avenue are the popular and charming neighborhoods of Charlotte, NC. There are quiet, tree-lined streets, bustling community areas filled with restaurants and stores, and beautiful parks for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.
Within walking distance of the community is the Carmel Commons shopping center, which has popular restaurants like Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe. For those who want some exercise, the McMullen Creek Greenway is a popular nature walk. For a spot of culture and history, you can visit the President James K. Polk State Historic Site.
The neighborhood enriches life at TerraBella, making our retirement community an exciting prospect for your loved ones.
Assisted Living and Memory Care: When Is the Right Time?
If you are considering a senior living community for a loved one, you might be wondering whether now is the right time or whether the decision is premature. There are some common signs to watch for that signal your loved one would benefit from senior living, such as:
- Isolation and withdrawal from social activities
- Struggling to maintain a home
- Safety worries in the home, such as a recent fall
- Confusion or forgetfulness
- An increasing need for daily support with basic tasks
It’s important to have an open conversation with your loved one about the advantages of senior living. Seeing the amenities and support on offer will empower your relative to make a decision that feels right for them.
Finding the Perfect Retirement Destination in Charlotte, NC
At first glance, there may be little difference between assisted living vs. memory care. However, once you understand the in-depth and specialist side of Alzheimer’s care support, it’s easier to see which option is best for you or your loved one.
At TerraBella Little Avenue, we offer a person-centered approach, which is why residents love our warm, family-like atmosphere. Set in the heart of Charlotte, NC, we provide the best of both worlds: a community that feels like home surrounded by a wealth of amenities. Schedule a tour of our community and find out if it’s the perfect retirement destination for you.
