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What Is The Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

By Christine Hall

You might be noticing that your loved one has some memory loss and/or might need help in some activities of daily living like medication management or dressing.  But, does your loved one need memory care or assisted living?

Memory care and assisted living are both forms of long-term care that can be provided to seniors or individuals who need more care.  However, there are some key differences between assisted living and memory care.

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a type of specialized care that is designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Memory care communities often have trained staff and specialized programming to help manage the unique needs of individuals with memory loss. These communities often have a higher staff to resident ratio and may have more structured daily routines and activities to provide a sense of familiarity and stability for residents.  Memory care communities may also have more secure environments to prevent residents from wandering or getting lost.

What is Assisted Living?

The difference between assisted living and memory care is that assisted living, is a type of long-term care that is designed for seniors or individuals with disabilities or who need some assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and medication management.  Assisted living facilities typically offer a range of services, including meals, housekeeping, transportation and social and recreational activities.  Assisted living communities may also provide medical care and support, but they are generally not as medically intensive as skilled nursing (nursing home).  Assisted living facilities are often less structured than memory care communities and may offer more flexibility and independence for residents.

In summary, the difference between assisted living and memory care is that memory care is a specialized form of care for individuals with dementia, while assisted living is a more general type of long-term care for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need some assistance with daily activities.

If you are interested in taking a short survey to see where your loved one might fit – either in memory care or assisted living – take our senior living survey. It’s an excellent tool that can help you determine the right level of care for your loved one.

At Franke Tobey Jones, we offer both Memory Care and Assisted Living.  Although our Memory Care community has been relatively full for the past two years, we will be adding 21 new Memory Care suites early this year.  If you would like to schedule a tour or want more information about the difference between assisted living and memory care, please contact us as 253-752-6621.  It’s a great time to be looking ahead to have your choice of suites in our new Memory Care area.

Memory Care Features:

• Large private suites with full private bathrooms/showers arranged in small clusters. Rooms are unfurnished so you can bring items that are familiar and loved.
• Many large gathering spaces.
• Private, secure outside courtyards.
• Under the supervision of a licensed nurse, activity professionals and nursing assistants, daily routine is structured to maximize quality of life for our residents. Each day is guided by our 24 hour staff.
• The program includes assistance with activities of daily living to ensure that physical and emotional needs are met.
• A Licensed Nurse is available to administer medications and assist with emergencies.
• A variety of meaningful activities are designed to enhance residents’ strengths while bringing enjoyment to their days. Such activities encourage socialization, reminiscing, exercise, use of cognitive function, spiritual traditions,  and hobbies.
• Residents are also able to enjoy quiet and peaceful times in the company of other residents and staff in various indoor and outdoor community spaces.
• Three delicious meals a day are served family-style in the Memory Care dining room.
• Weekly housekeeping. Bed linens and towels are laundered and supplied weekly. Laundry room is available for personal use.
• Transportation to medical appointments five days a week.
• Utilities include cable and local phone service.

Assisted Living Features:

• Each resident is assessed by our Licensed Nursing staff with input from the resident to determine the level of service that best meets the needs of the individual.
• Medication supervision and other nursing services (i.e. bathing, dressing, escorting, etc).
• RN or LPN on the premises 24 hours a day in addition to Certified Nursing Assistants 24 hours per day.
• Access to a dental hygienist, podiatrist, audiologist, physical therapist and occupational therapist.
• We maximize the quality of life for residents who require support in performing activities of daily living. All measures will enhance safety, independence and dignity.
• If more care is needed, close access to skilled nursing in the Care Center offers peace of mind for residents and family members.
• Three meals daily with waited dining service, selective menu, flexible times, dietician.
• All utilities including local phone & basic cable.
• Weekly housekeeping. Bed linens and towels are laundered and supplied weekly. Laundry room available for personal use.
• Transportation to and from medical appointments and activities five days a week.
• Scheduled shopping, banks, grocery—weekly.
• Kitchenettes in one and two 2 bedroom apartments.
• Emergency alert features.
• Small refrigerator and microwave.
• Front desk concierge.

Assisted Living Common Area Video Memory Care Common Area video Schedule a Tour