There’s nothing easy about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s almost like a full-time job—one that often takes priority over other personal or professional obligations.

Not only that, but it’s emotionally draining as well. When you’re the one the family depends on to make sure meals are cooked, medications are filled, and bedding is clean, the pressure can push even the most patient, understanding caregivers to their limits.

So it makes sense that you might want to bring in some outside support to help care for your loved one.

But finding the right level of support—support you can trust—isn’t easy.

You’ve got a lot of options out there, sure, but they all come with their own set of benefits, drawbacks, and price points.

Assisted living and memory care are probably the two most popular options you’ve considered. And if you’ve done any amount of research, you’ve probably found there’s a lot of similarities between the two.

But there are significant variations, too.

Let’s review the differences between assisted living and memory care so you can make the best decision for you, your older family members, and your emotional well-being.

Who Is Assisted Living and Memory Care For?

Assisted living and memory care are popular options for families looking to increase the level of support their loved one receives on a daily basis.

But they aren’t interchangeable.

Assisted living is for older adults who need extra help with daily living activities (bathing, grooming, eating, etc.), while memory care is built specifically for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other forms of memory loss.

The Safety Standards of Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Safety is a top priority for virtually any senior care facility. They all do their best to prevent falls, injuries, and—in extreme cases—elderly abuse.

But standards do vary.

In an effort to help residents maintain their independence, assisted living communities generally just provide emergency alert systems and daily physical exams.

On the flip side, there’s an increased emphasis on safety in memory care facilities, as wandering and aggression are common behavioral traits of seniors living with memory loss.

Entrances and exits with automatic locks and monitored entry help decrease the possibility of residents wandering off on their own. Top-notch security systems are also common practice, and the structural layouts are designed to promote comfort and minimize confusion.

Staff & Training

Regardless of education, all staff members at assisted living and memory care facilities have relevant job experience. They’re all fully capable of managing the responsibilities that come with caring for older adults, and they’re all probably very good at what they do.

But staff at memory care facilities are explicitly trained to provide 24-hour, person-centered care for seniors with memory loss. They understand the sense of confusion and anger that accompanies the deterioration of cognitive skills—and they’re trained to safely and quickly diffuse dangerous situations while still helping those involved maintain their pride and dignity.

In addition, memory care programs always have enough health professionals on-site to make sure each resident gets enough one-on-one attention throughout the day.

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: Benefits & Pricing Overview

There’s a lot that impacts the cost of assisted living and memory care, including location, services, and the specific needs of the residents. Generally speaking, the cost for memory care will be slightly more expensive due to the emphasis on specialized treatment.

For concrete specifics, you’ll want to contact your top choices and ask for more information.

Memory Care at The Moments

At The Moments, we specialize in care for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We’re all about comfort, combining 5-star hospitality standards with high-acuity specialized clinical services, a customized dining program, daily housekeeping, and a person-centered approach to programming. And we do it all in a safe, welcoming environment that promotes emotional and physical well-being.

Located in Lakeville, one of the most desirable locations in the Twin Cities area, ours is one of the best memory care programs in the country.

We operate during regular daytime hours.

For more information, contact us or schedule a tour at https://themoments.com/.

TAKE A TOUR

Our resident specialist will give you a private tour of The Moments Memory Care Community and answer any questions you may have.

THE MOMENTS
COVID-19
Safety Protocols

Our HVAC system was uniquely designed to deliver six complete air changes per hour which means clean air, safer air, throughout the building. Our resident rooms have individual fresh air and filtration above the windows, both designed to increase safety and sanitation levels.

Our normal protocol includes rigorous daily disinfecting of resident rooms and common areas. During every shift, staff disinfects doors, handrails and other common areas.

Meals have shifted from community gatherings to small group, socially distanced meals that are served in shifts, tables and chairs are sanitized after each seating.

ALL residents and staff are tested bi-weekly, at a minimum and take temperature checks are conducted daily of all residents.

Anybody – staff, caregivers, residents, vendors – who enters The Moments will pass through the ENTRY where Far-UVC lighting will inactivate surface-level viruses and bacteria

Additionally, prior to each
shift staff:

• Undergo a health
  screening, temperature
  check and contact risk
  evaluation surveys prior
  to entering the building
• Are required to wear a
  facemask and goggles
  at all times
• Constantly conducting
  thorough handwashing
  and hand sanitization
  during their shifts

Essential caregivers/visitors
are required to:

• Undergo a health
  screening, temperature
  check and contact risk
  evaluation surveys prior
  to entering the building
• Wear masks during
  their visit