As they age, seniors experience many physical and mental health and wellness changes. Assisted living and memory care are two senior residence options for older adults needing some level of care. For family members wondering which alternative is right for their loved ones, this article will provide the guidance they need.
Facts about Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities to cater specifically to those senior citizens who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as basic hygiene, grooming, dressing, and eating. These needs are needed at various levels, in combination with some measure of independence. Senior residents have their own living areas and receive help with daily duties and tasks. Services may include:
- Full-service dining, including meal preparation and meal service.
- Common spaces where residents can socialize and engage.
- 24/7 available staff to assist seniors with limited mobility or those who need help throughout the night.
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Medication management assistance and coordination with physicians and other healthcare providers.
- Transportation services
The amenities at an assisted living senior residence facilitate engagement among seniors and can vary between communities. Depending on the community, amenities may include classes, fitness centers, theaters, cafes, clubs, walking trails, outdoor patios, and gardens.
Seniors who are retired, live by themselves, have lost a spouse, or are experiencing declining health may consider assisted living. It is a carefree lifestyle without chores or maintenance, providing social activities and assistance when needed.
More about Memory Care
Memory care is for senior citizens with moderate to severe memory impairments, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that impacts memory, cognition, and the ability to handle everyday tasks.
Memory care provides assistance with ADLs and offers healthcare professionals and onsite trained staff to support those who live there. Additional services and amenities in memory care facilities may provide:
- Enhanced security for the safety of its senior residents.
- Floor plans are designed for freedom of movement with maximum supervision.
- Multi-purpose areas are provided for social engagement and planned activities.
- Safe outdoor spaces for walking, gardening, or sunbathing.
- Personal services such as salons and barbershops on-site.
Seniors who can no longer manage their daily activities, have some cognitive impairment, and require additional health care may do better in memory care. Memory care facilities have more robust safety features designed to minimize wandering and falls, and staff is specifically educated to deal with aggression, confusion, and other behaviors associated with dementia. Those with dementia and Alzheimer’s benefit from round-the-clock supervision and a higher staff-to-resident ratio.
We Are Here to Help Choose Your Senior Residence
Deciding on the appropriate care level for a loved one can be challenging, but the staff at a Banyan Residence can help to assess and make that determination. We will work through questions with you, such as:
- Does your senior loved one require special care, including physical mobility assistance?
- Does your loved one want to remain mostly independent but with access to needed help or care?
- What level of care do they require?
- Do they have any health conditions that require care?
- Are they interested in remaining active and engaged?
- Are they exhibiting early signs of memory loss or dementia?
- Are they becoming more forgetful or posing any risk to themselves or others?
When a senior should no longer live alone for any reason (either physical or cognitive), assisted living and memory care can be excellent options to provide the needed level of help and care. Understanding the difference in lifestyle options offered by senior living communities makes the transition from assisted living to memory care easier, should that ever be necessary.
A Banyan Residence in The Villages provides both assisted living and memory care on the same campus. Call to schedule a tour or consultation.
