Though no one wants to think about their loved one developing dementia, it’s not an unlikely scenario.
The CDC reports that about 4% of Americans over 65 have Alzheimer’s or dementia, so it’s something to prepare for and talk about.
Luckily, with appropriate dementia care, elders can still retain a sense of self and a high quality of life.
Here, we’ll talk about:
- What assisted living is
- How memory care stands apart
- Deciding between senior living options
- How to choose a senior housing community
Read on to learn the ins and outs of memory care vs. assisted living.
The Basics of Assisted Living
Assisted living is what most people think of when they contemplate elder care services. These communities are made for seniors who want to live as independently as possible but still need some help with daily care.
In assisted living senior housing, residents will get help with daily care tasks. Some include:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Using the bathroom
- Cleaning up their living space
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Meal prep
- Medication management
This makes life easier for seniors who struggle with mobility issues. Sometimes, those with minor memory issues can also thrive in regular assisted living communities.
Plus, when you choose the right Mississippi senior housing for your loved one, they also can access amenities like:
- Well-appointed resort-style apartments
- Activity rooms
- Game and card rooms
- Billiards tables
- Areas to play the piano
- An amazing library
- Restaurant-style dining
- Outdoor areas like balconies and courtyards
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a more specialized category that falls under the assisted living umbrella. It’s tailor-made for seniors struggling with memory issues. Some of these conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s
Those in memory care access all the same help and amenities as those in standard assisted living programs. However, residents receive treatment from nurses and assistants with special training in memory-related care plans.
This means that they get the best possible assistance from people with specialized knowledge. Compassionate experts have the experience and skills to handle the unique challenges of dementia care and similar cognitive problems.
People in memory care also gain access to elder care services like:
- Sensory exercises for stimulation and relaxation
- Activities designed to boost cognition (puzzles, games, etc)
- A personalized “My Story” book
- A safe and supportive daily environment
Family members will also receive updates and information about how their loved one is doing.
This support helps residents remain as sharp as possible so they can age gracefully and happily.
SummerHouse Bay Cove has also received a National Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association®. This elite distinction means that you can rely on us for the best possible care.
Memory Care vs. Assisted Living: Which Is Right for You?
Making the decision to move your loved one into an assisted living community can be challenging. However, there are some surefire signs that they may need assistance you can’t provide:
- Hygiene-related issues
- Swift cognitive decline
- Increasing mobility issues
- Trouble walking, even with mobility aids
- Depression and mood swings
- Isolation and loneliness
- No accessible amenities at home
- Inaccessible home floor plans
If you begin to notice these issues, it’s time to consider an assisted living community.
When to Choose SHINE® Memory Care
Once you know that your loved one needs assisted living, it’s time to consider whether you need to take things a step further with memory care services.
When choosing between memory care vs. assisted living, ask yourself:
- Are the primary issues that your loved one is facing cognitive?
- Is your loved one struggling to remember important events?
- Does your family member forget to eat?
- Does your loved one forget to maintain their personal hygiene?
- Have there been recent issues with remembering to take medication?
- Does your family member repeatedly ask the same questions?
- Could your loved one benefit from specialized care?
If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions, memory care is likely the right senior living option for your loved one.
If you’re still unsure, ask professionals at SummerHouse Bay Cove. They’ll talk with you and your senior loved one and determine which type of care community is the best fit.
Choosing a Long-Term Care Community in Mississippi
Individualized care plans are one amazing benefit of both assisted living and memory care.
At a top-notch community like SummerHouse Bay Cove, expert caregivers will sit down with new residents and their families. This will happen before they move into their beautiful apartment.
We’ll all discuss the specific issues that your loved one is struggling with. This compassionate conversation will give nurses and assistants insight into what the new resident needs to thrive.
Then, experts will come up with a care plan that’s specifically tailored to meet those needs! It’s 100% adaptable in the event that their needs change over time, too.
Accessible Amenities
Ensure that the community you choose is accessible. It should have features like:
- Wheelchair ramps
- Wide doorways to accommodate mobility aids
- Wide hallways that wheelchairs and walkers can move through
- Grab bars and grip bars to prevent falling
- Walk-in closets and showers
Visiting your loved one’s prospective community makes it easy to understand its accessibility features.
Community Services
Look for community services like:
- Restaurant-style dining
- Individual wellness plans
- A robust activity calendar
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Game nights
- TV and movies inside community walls
- Live music nights
- Guest lectures about various topics
- Fitness groups (stretching, walking, etc)
- Dance classes and low-difficulty sports like golf
This will help your loved one remain social. This is critical since older adults are at an increased risk for isolation and loneliness.
Look Into Senior Living Options in Biloxi, MS
Understanding the ins and outs of memory care vs. assisted living is the first step toward choosing a community for your loved one. Learning more about the best Biloxi senior community is step two.
SummerHouse Bay Cove is committed to offering multiple long-term care options. We’re excited to provide beautiful amenities and personal care that keeps elders thriving well into their golden years.
Schedule a tour of our community to see what we have to offer.
