Your loved ones might be interested in moving to a retirement community when they reach their golden age. However, do you know the differences between assisted living vs. memory care communities? It’s important to do your research and have a better understanding of what these communities have to offer.
TerraBella Newton provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services to people who need them. Dive into this article to learn more about the differences between assisted living and memory care, so that you can have a more informed discussion with your parents.
More Experienced Staff
Assisted living refers to the fact that people in their golden years require some help with activities of daily living (ADLs), but they are still largely independent individuals. Memory care living refers to the fact that certain people require more assistance with ADLs and need round-the-clock supervision. That’s why team members working in memory care communities are more experienced and have specialized training to help them cope with the task of caring for people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Specialized Activities
Residents living in memory care communities also participate in specialized activities. Some of these activities are designed to stimulate their brain functions and improve their memory. For example, arranging wooden blocks in the right patterns helps the brain make more logical connections between neurons. Similarly, playing a musical instrument is another activity that stimulates the brain to make new connections and function better.
Specialized Dining
The dining experience is also specially tailored for people with neurodegenerative diseases in the memory care communities. For instance, there are sound cues to help your loved ones focus on their meals and encourage them to participate in the dining process. Meals are also prepared to ensure that they get all the nutrients and calories they need. Memory care communities also emphasize the use of specialized plates and cutlery to cater to the needs of people living with dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
Enhanced Safety
If one of your family members is living with a neurodegenerative disease, you probably know that wandering around can become a common habit. Wandering can be dangerous as your loved ones may get lost or put themselves in harm’s way. Fortunately, professionally trained team members are employed and spaces in memory care communities are designed to enhance the safety of the residents living in these communities. For example, round-the-clock supervision is one of the most important features of memory care rooms as well as door alarms and supervised bathing.
Moreover, the experienced team members in memory care communities also offer solutions to incontinence problems that your loved ones might have. This will give you peace of mind as you know that your family members will be well taken care of in all aspects of their lives.
As you can see, there are significant differences between assisted living and memory care communities. It’s important to know these differences so you are better prepared to help your loved ones as they transition into the retirement community. If you have more questions, feel free to contact one of our team members today. We offer exceptional assisted living and memory care services in our retirement community and we’re more than happy to help you.
