Understanding the Levels of Care in an Assisted Living Community
As you watch your loved one age and slowly lose their autonomy, you may find yourself making a tough and often emotional decision, which is to move them to an assisted living community. Assisted care communities are a great option for seniors who are unable to receive appropriate care and support at home.
These communities often offer multiple care levels to meet the evolving needs of older adults. In this post, we’ll explore the two most common care programs offered in assisted care communities and help you decide which is better for your loved one. Read along!
Types of Care Levels in Assisted Living
When looking for an assisted care community for your loved one, you must first understand the different levels of care offered in retirement communities. The majority of assisted care communities offer two types of care programs for seniors, i.e., assisted living and memory care.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is for older adults who need help with daily living tasks while also maintaining their independence and autonomy. This care program is suitable for seniors who require help with activities like toileting, bathing, dressing, cleaning, and medication management.
Seniors enrolled in assisted living have access to 24/7 staff support, weekly housekeeping, maintenance services, freshly prepared meals, and various other amenities, such as a fitness center, salon, and barber shop. On top of that, they are encouraged to maintain a social life through participating in various social events and activities, including:
- Group outings
- Live entertainment
- Health and wellness programs
- Classes
- Get-togethers and meetups in the garden and patio areas
If your loved one wants an independent lifestyle while relying on others for some assistance, assisted living is the ideal level of care. It will meet your loved one’s needs and improve their quality of life.
Memory Care
Memory care, a level higher than assisted living, is a specialized program designed to help and support seniors with memory-related issues, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Seniors with memory loss issues are vulnerable to wandering and getting lost, which is often very dangerous and life-threatening for them.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, every six in 10 people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s wander at least once in their lifetime, and many do it multiple times. In addition to everything assisted care offers, a memory care program offers 24-hour supervision and assistance to the residents, ensuring their safety.
The majority of senior living communities with memory care offer various safety features, including but not limited to:
- 24-hour supervision
- Safety-equipped bathrooms
- Medication administration and storage
- Pull cords and pendants
- A secured interior courtyard and screened porch area
Moreover, memory care takes a personalized approach to residents with memory impairment, which improves their mental and emotional well-being. For example, if your loved one has specific interests and hobbies, an individualized care plan will address those interests and help your loved one to engage in familiar activities and routines.
Following a familiar routine is essential for every older adult with memory-related issues, as it brings them joy while preventing agitation, confusion, and anxiety.
What is the Difference Between Assisted Care and Memory Care?
One of the major differences between assisted living and memory care is the care level offered. While assisted living only provides assistance with daily living activities, memory care offers a specialized care plan that focuses on cognitive stimulation and security.
Moreover, memory care has caregivers with specialized training focused on dementia care techniques, communication strategies, and behavioral management, allowing them to take care of your loved one with memory impairment.
Another key difference is the activities and amenities offered by both care programs. In assisted living, your loved one will participate in activities that’ll improve their social engagement and provide recreational entertainment. On the other hand, activities in memory care will be focused on stimulating the cognitive function of your loved one and providing them with therapeutic benefits.
How to Decide Which Level of Care Is Right for Your Loved One?
When looking for the right care for your senior loved one, the first step is to identify their specific needs and circumstances. If your loved one has mobility issues, is unable to live independently, or simply needs assistance with daily living activities, then assisted living is the right care option for them.
However, if they’ve been previously diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, then memory care is more suitable for them. Moreover, if your loved one experiences difficulty in recognizing familiar places and people, you may need to consider memory care for them. It will help slow down their cognitive decline.
A Comfortable and Peaceful Life is Ahead of Your Loved One: Explore Bristol Park at Cleburne Assisted Living & Memory Care Today!
All in all, if you want to help and support your senior loved one without letting them lose their independence or quality of life, enroll them in the right senior care program. Here at Bristol Park at Cleburne, we provide both assisted living and memory care programs.
Whether your loved one requires assistance with their daily activities or they are susceptible to wandering and safety issues, Bristol Park at Cleburne will meet your loved one’s needs. Want to learn about our offerings in great detail? Schedule a tour of our community today!
