If your loved one in Glen Allen, Virginia is struggling to live independently, you may wonder what kind of care they need to stay safe and healthy. Is assisted living the right choice, or do they need memory care? Understanding the specific needs of the individual is the first step in making an informed decision. Ask yourself these important questions: Do they need help with daily activities like self-care, cooking, dressing and bathing? What are their healthcare needs? Are they showing signs of memory issues? Once you understand what kind of support they need, you can make a determination about what kind of care is best for them.
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care
Once you understand the needs of your loved one in Glen Allen, Virginia, you can educate yourself on the kind of support available.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are designed for individuals who need help with daily activities, but do not require intensive medical care. Residents usually live in private or shared apartments and have access to amenities like dining services, transportation and social activities.
These communities offer:
- A supportive environment designed to promote independence while ensuring the health and safety of individuals by providing support with daily activities like medication management, dressing, meal preparation and personal care. This level of care is appropriate for those who can perform many tasks on their own but need some assistance.
- Social interaction, activities and community engagement to keep residents mentally and physically active and prevent feelings of isolation. This can include exercise classes, art and music therapy, and outings.
- Basic healthcare services like regular check-ups, care for minor illnesses or management of well-controlled conditions. They do not provide intensive medical care.
If your loved one is healthy and just requires some assistance with the activities of daily living to stay safe and reduce risks for falls and accidents, assisted living may be the right choice.
Memory Care
Memory care is designed for those experiencing the early signs of memory loss, such as:
- Difficulty remembering recent conversations and events
- Struggling to find the right words or follow conversations
- Getting lost or confused in familiar places
- Poor judgment or decision-making
- Challenges with planning and organizing
- Noticeable behavior or personality changes, such as mood swings, agitation and irritability
Memory care units are specialized facilities within assisted living or skilled nursing communities specifically designed to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These units offer a higher level of security to prevent wandering, and a higher level of care to meet the unique needs of residents with cognitive impairment. Their programs and activities are designed to stimulate cognitive function, and include reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation and memory games.
The staff in these units receive training to help them manage the unique challenges associated with dementia like communication difficulties, memory loss and behavioral issues. Memory care facilities also create individualized care plans tailored to the specific needs of each individual, so they receive the personalized care they need to enrich their lives.
Four Important Differences Between Assisted Living and Memory Care
According to an article published by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), there are four key differences between assisted living and memory care.
- The level of care is higher and more specialized in memory care facilities than in assisted living facilities.
- Security measures are stricter in memory care facilities to provide for the safety of residents with cognitive impairments.
- Staff training is more specialized, giving team members the skills they need to understand the progression of dementia, behavioral management techniques and communication strategies.
- The cost can be higher for memory care facilities than for assisted living due to the specialized care, higher levels of staff training required and increased security.
Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One in Glen Allen, Virginia
If you determine that assisted living is the right fit for your loved one, Elizabeth House Assisted Living in Glen Allen, Virginia can provide the support they need. We make authentic connections with each resident while helping with self-care tasks and medication management. Our therapeutic activities, recreation and facility outings keep residents engaged and mentally and physically active.
Memory care is offered at our sister community, Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehab. Here, your loved one will be treated like family, receiving the compassionate, specialized care they need to live their best life possible. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour.