Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Memory Care Community

At The Moments Memory Care, we know that being a caregiver for a family member with memory loss is incredibly challenging. At a certain point, it can become overwhelming or even impossible to care for your loved one on your own. However, it also can be difficult to determine which kind of community is right for your loved one as well. 

There are countless options from a skilled nursing facility, to a specialized memory care community, or other types of long-term senior living communities. We also know that it can be confusing as a caregiver when you are researching options for a loved one. That’s why it’s important to understand the terminology when you are making your decision. 

At The Moments, we are intimately familiar with this journey. Perhaps you do not know where to begin looking or what your care options are. We are devoted to helping you find the right home for your family member. 

Memory Care Assisted Living 

When it comes to senior care, the options can seem endless – and overwhelming. However, the important thing to know is that each option offers different levels of care for different medical and personal needs. 

Skilled Nursing Facility 

A skilled nursing facility, or SNF, is actually quite different from a memory care community. Skilled nursing facilities are often referred to as nursing homes. A skilled nursing facility or a nursing home are simply interchangeable terms for residential facilities that provide 24-hour medical care. They differ from independent living and assisted living in that they offer complete medical care around the clock. Typically, skilled nursing facilities are for those who have severe or complex medical issues. Or, they are recovering from a surgery or serious accident.

The Moments is setting a new standard for caregiving that is both holistic and highly individualized. Our low caregiver-to-resident ratio and 24-hour onsite licensed nursing enables residents to receive prompt and personalized attention from a team of state-licensed RNs, LPNs and CNAs.

Memory Care Community 

Many people experience a certain amount of memory loss as they age. Just like our elbows, faces, and knees, our brain is aging too – although it may be less obvious. It’s natural for our mental abilities to decrease somewhat as we age. However, some people suffer from more severe memory loss as they age, which often results in a diagnosis of   Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. 

If a family member of yours has any form of dementia or memory loss, you know how difficult it can be to take care of them, especially as the condition advances. In these cases, life in a memory care community might be the answer for your loved one. Memory care at The Moments is a true home and community for our residents (and equally important, it feels like home for families as well). . 

At The Moments, our memory care is thoughtfully curated with intentional triggers to activate our residents’ memories. Our residents have the opportunity to reminisce about their past with other residents  and be a part of a true community among friends and family. Families know their loved ones are receiving the highest standard of care at The Moments, so they tend to worry less.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living 

Other options for senior care include independent living and assisted living. 

Independent living is the right choice for your loved one if they are entirely mobile, take part in an active social life, manage their medications easily, and enjoy an independent lifestyle. At independent living facilities, life is not about medical attention. Instead, it’s about allowing seniors to maintain a fun and vibrant lifestyle. 

Assisted living is right for your loved one if they require help with the activities of daily living and/or require more medical care and supervision. 

However, if your loved one is living with memory loss, the best option for them is memory care. 

What Is AIndependent Living Facility 

An independent living facility, offers a housing option for older adults, typically anyone over the age of 55. This kind of housing varies widely. It can be a home or apartment. Typically, independent living facilities do not offer much, if anything, in the way of medical care. 

Independent living facilities are not suitable for those living with memory loss. Even if you have a loved one who you suspect will require memory care in the future, an independent living facility is not ideal even in the short-term because it will require a move down the road. A move for someone with memory loss can be even more stressful and distressing than it is for someone without memory loss. (Though, at The Moments, our exceptional Moments Moving Team makes the transition much easier for your entire family.) 

Memory Care Living at The Moments 

At The Moments Memory Care, we combine five-star hospitality with the feeling of home for your loved one. There is no sterilized, nursing-home feel at The Moments. We offer high-acuity specialized clinical services, a customized dining program, daily housekeeping, and a variety of options when it comes to programming. We don’t believe that life stops once a person is diagnosed with memory loss.