Approximately 70% of people over 65 will require long-term care at some point in their lives. Because not all long-term care options are created equal, you might soon have to make a difficult decision about what kind of care to choose in case you cannot live independently in the future.
Assisted living and memory care are two of the senior living options that are most common. Oftentimes, you hear of people using the two terms interchangeably. However, there are certain differences between the two types of care.
Read on to learn the differences between assisted living and memory care in Terrytown, LA.
Assisted Living VS Memory Care
Assisted living communities provide any necessary medical staff who can assist residents with basic tasks, from scheduling medication and doctor visits to more basic ones like bathing or using the bathroom. That said, assisted living still gives seniors the option of maintaining their own living space.
The fact that most assisted living communities have full-time medical staff on duty, 24 hours a day, is another important aspect of this care option.
On the other hand, memory care is often characterized by long-term skilled nursing with a focus on patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory issues. Residential care and memory care communities offer supervised care that is available around the clock, either in their complexes or on a different floor or wing of a larger retirement community.
As with assisted living, memory care provides a residential option if the resident’s progressive impairment renders them incapable of caring for themselves. In addition to helping with the aforementioned activities of daily living, the team in memory care is specially trained to help those who have dementia or cognitive impairment.
Additionally, the physical layout and security of memory care communities are made to better suit patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, minimizing wandering behaviors and creating a comfortable environment.
Differences in Cost of Care
When there are so many crucial factors to take into account, such as the level of care and the type of living environment, it can be difficult to compare the total costs of assisted living and memory care.
Generally, though, according to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, an assisted living community in the United States typically costs $4,300 per month. The cost of memory care is about 20% to 30% higher.
Similarities Between Assisted Living and Memory Care
While there are differences between the two types of care, there are certain similarities between assisted living and memory care too.
Specifically, both memory care and assisted living typically provide supervised care, medical oversight, and assistance with daily tasks like dressing, moving around, and maintaining personal hygiene.
The following additional services are typically provided in both types of care:
- Medical management
- Emergency call systems
- Housekeeping services
- Recreational and social programs and activities
- Complimentary transportation
- Three nutritious meals a day
- Health and fitness programs
Do keep in mind, however, that on top of the monthly base fee, some of these services might have additional costs. Memory care also frequently includes structured activities or programs made to support residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
