Caring for a loved one with cognitive decline is an emotional journey. However, you don’t have to go through this alone. With the right community at your side, you can give your loved one the quality care they deserve to maintain their quality of life.
Memory care and dementia care are two terms that are frequently used interchangeably. However, they serve distinct purposes. Memory care is a specific lifestyle service tailored towards people with memory loss or cognitive decline, while dementia care is a broad term that can refer to any care intended to help a senior living with dementia.
Memory Care vs. Dementia Care: What Sets Them Apart?
Both memory care and dementia care are helpful when dementia is involved. They each support individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. However, they also have some core differences.
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care provided in residential communities. It’s tailored specifically for older adults experiencing cognitive decline and memory-related conditions. These communities are designed to offer a secure and structured environment to help manage the effects of conditions like dementia while maintaining residents’ quality of life.
Dementia Care
Dementia care is a broader term that may be used to describe any care given to those living with dementia. It can be provided in multiple settings, including at home, in senior living communities, or in dedicated memory care programs.
What Does Memory Care Offer?
Memory care is built around managing the effects of memory loss and cognitive conditions. When these complex conditions affect your loved one’s everyday life, memory care stands out as a great choice for helping them live well.
Core Services & Support
Residents in memory care benefit from 24/7 supervision by trained caregivers who specialize in dementia support. Communities are equipped with secure environments to reduce the risk of wandering and ensure safety. Medication management, health monitoring, and other forms of support are provided to help residents with individual needs, and there are typically many events and amenities available that have been tailored for people affected by cognitive challenges.
Daily Living Assistance
Activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, and dressing, are supported by compassionate caregivers. And personalized routines are often created to reduce stress and confusion and help residents feel more at ease. Even the meals are carefully served to support overall well-being.
Engagement & Cognitive Programs
Memory care communities offer a variety of activities to preserve cognitive function. These often include:
- Music therapy
- Art classes
- Memory-related activities
- Gentle exercise classes
These are all offered by trained professionals to help maintain a sense of structure.
What Does Dementia Care Include?
Dementia care varies widely depending on your loved one’s condition and the people providing the care. In some cases, it may offer flexibility to meet the evolving needs of those with cognitive decline.
At-Home Dementia Care
For families who prefer to keep their loved ones at home, professional caregivers may be able to create custom care plans. These plans often include assistance with hygiene, mobility, and household tasks, as well as companionship and memory exercises to promote mental stimulation.
It’s important to remember that home modifications may also be necessary to support your loved one’s safety and well-being if they remain at home with this type of care.
Combination Services
Some families opt for a combination of services, which may include coordinated healthcare and therapy programs. These flexible options may adapt as the individual’s needs change to give consistent and personalized care.
How to Choose the Right Care for Your Loved One
Finding the right fit for memory care starts with understanding your loved one’s current and future needs.
Evaluate Care Needs
Consider your loved one’s daily challenges. It helps to ask:
- Are they prone to wandering or confusion?
- Do they need help with most daily tasks?
- Are they still socially active and independent?
Answering these questions can help determine the level of care required.
Consult a Senior Care Advisor
If you’re unsure, it helps to work with a senior care advisor. They can assess your loved one’s current needs to help you find the right level of care. It’s also a good idea to visit a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis of the cause of your loved one’s symptoms.
Visit Memory Care Communities
Touring communities lets you see the environment in person. You can:
- Observe interactions between caregivers and residents
- Check out the available activities and amenities
- Ask about safety features and protocols in place
- Meet with the staff to understand their qualifications and approach to care
- Get a sense of the community’s overall atmosphere and resident satisfaction
This personal experience can be invaluable for choosing the right community.
Supporting Your Loved One with the Right Care
Making the decision to help your loved one can be challenging. However, learning more about your options is the first step towards getting them the care they deserve. In many cases, memory care can not only help your loved one live well, but also help you spend more meaningful time together in a supportive environment.
Here at Fountains of Franklin, we’re dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where your loved one can thrive. Schedule a tour with us today to learn more about how we can support your family’s journey.
