Many aging adults have the same basic needs in their retirement years. They want to live in a safe and secure environment, surrounded by people with whom they feel comfortable. However, some golden-age adults have more complex care needs than others. These individuals may need additional support and unique accommodations to remain independent and happy during their golden years. Memory care communities come in: they provide specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Here’s what you need to know about these facilities to make an informed decision about which one is best for your loved one.
Memory Care Residents Need More Help With Certain Daily Activities Than Personal Care Residents
The main difference between personal and memory care is the assistance residents need with daily activities.
Personal care residents need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming. Memory care residents also require assistance with some of these tasks, but they require more help than personal care residents. They may need help getting to appointments or taking medication in addition to the functions required by personal care residents.
The difference between the two isn’t always clear-cut, though. Personal care residents may require assistance with these daily tasks as well. For example:
- Personal Care: A person who has trouble walking due to dementia or another condition may receive accommodations such as using assistive devices such as a walker or wheelchair when walking; being pushed in a wheelchair instead of walking on their own; having someone accompany them outside because they get lost easily
- Memory Care: A person who has trouble remembering how to take medications or where appointments are scheduled might be monitored by staff members during times when self-care is needed (such as when taking medications).
Memory Care Communities Are Staffed With Nurses And Other Caregivers Trained In Memory Care
As the name implies, memory care is designed around the needs of people with dementia. They need a highly structured environment with routines and activities to keep them engaged.
Memory care communities are staffed with nurses and caregivers trained in memory care. Staff members such as counselors, social workers, and rehabilitation therapists are also available to assist residents experiencing symptoms such as depression or anxiety due to the onset of their disease. These professionals can help you plan meaningful activities for your loved one. Hence, they feel motivated while living at home – even if it’s only temporary until proper placement into a permanent setting can be arranged for them later down the line!
Design Elements Of Memory Care Facilities Differ From Those Of Personal Care Communities
In a memory care community, common areas will have fewer visual distractions and more movement options (e.g., puzzles and books that encourage walking around). The rooms and hallways will be quieter than other facilities, with less activity so residents can sleep well. Memory care communities also tend to have smaller groupings of residents within the same building and fewer doors between each resident’s room for ease of supervision and safety.
Conclusion
Personal care vs. memory care is a common topic of conversation among caregivers and loved ones of those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other conditions that affect memory. As you can see from the above definitions, it’s more than just an issue of what type of bedding your loved one uses. The personal care vs. memory care debate can be an emotional one. Still, when you have all the facts in front of you, it’s easier to decide what’s suitable for your family member who needs extra help with their daily activities while enjoying life more fully as they age. We hope this article has been helpful in your quest!
