Memory Care vs. Nursing Homes: Which Is Right?

Selecting the most appropriate or suitable type of care for an elderly family member can be one of the most emotional and difficult choices for a family to make. As a senior starts to have memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer's or other health issues, families may find themselves conducting a comparison of memory care communities and nursing homes. Both offer help and aid, but they are geared toward different needs.

Families can make a sound and informed decision based on their understanding of the differences between memory care and nursing homes, ultimately ensuring their loved one's health, safety, and quality of life.

What Is a Memory Care Community?

Memory care communities are residential facilities that are designed for people with dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other memory loss disorders. The communities are mainly concerned with creating a safe and secure setting in which each occupant is given individual attention and support, while being as independent as possible.

Memory care communities have caregivers who are trained in dementia care. They are aware of the special situations that come with dementia and how to relate to the confusion, anxiety, walking around, and changes in behaviors with patience and compassion.

Memory care communities also provide support for activities of daily living, as well as therapeutic programs that stimulate the cognitive function. Music therapy, art classes, memory exercises, gardening and social events are among the activities that can be included.

Another important element of memory care communities is security. Many facilities have secure entranceways, monitored areas outside and plans to minimize confusion and wandering.

What Is a Nursing Home?

A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is a facility that offers a higher level of medical care for seniors who have severe medical conditions or need constant medical supervision. The facilities have licensed nurses and health care professionals on staff that can give medical care all day.

For seniors who're recovering from surgery, suffering from chronic illnesses or who have physical disabilities that necessitate a lot of assistance, nursing homes are frequently the best choice. Services available to residents can include wound care, rehabilitation therapy, medication management and medical monitoring.

While memory care communities tend to provide more care for cognitive issues, nursing homes are generally more concerned with medical care. Some nursing homes offer memory care facilities, but they are mainly responsible for managing the more complicated healthcare needs.

Knowing the Differences Between Memory Care and Nursing Homes

Knowing the differences between memory care and nursing homes can help you make the best decision for your loved ones.

Both settings offer help with activities of daily living, but there are a number of significant differences.

Specialized Dementia Care

Memory care communities are specially designed to provide care for those who suffer from memory related illnesses. There is provision of specific training for staff to work with residents with cognitive changes, confusion and behaviour issues.

The nursing home, in contrast, will deal with a patient's medical care and physical needs above all else. Staff can support people with dementia, but are not as likely to provide the same high-quality cognitive programs.

Environment and Safety

A calm and predictable setting are the goals of memory care communities. Residents feel comfortable and safe with easily secured entrances, simple layouts and structured habits.

Nursing homes take top priority in terms of medical care and accessibility. They are many times not made with dementia themed safety in mind, but rather around the way that healthcare will be delivered.

Daily Activities

Activities that are designed with cognitive health and engagement in mind are a common part of life in memory care communities. These programs foster interaction, creativity and stimulation in the mind.

Nursing homes are likely to provide recreational activities, but they may not be as concerned with cognitive therapy and memory support.

Medical Services

A nursing home offers a wide range of health and medical services, such as skilled care, rehabilitation, and continuous health supervision.

While it's important to note that memory care communities can help with medication and personal care, they typically do not provide the same sort of medical care that a skilled nursing facility would.

When Is Memory Care the Better Choice?

Memory care might be the most suitable alternative if the person you love:

• Has Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia
• Often gets disoriented/confused
• Often lost interest in tasks or activities
• Lacks a routine of the day
• Participates in social activities and cognitive treatments
• Needs supervision but NOT intensive treatment

Memory care can provide a level of independence and support that allows many families to offer their loved one a valuable lifestyle and a good quality of life.

When Is It Better to Go Into a Nursing Home?

If your loved one nursing home may be better:

• Must be supervised on a 24-hour basis
• Has considerable restriction in mobility
• Is recovering from an illness, or surgery
• Needs ongoing rehabilitation services
• Has complicated medical needs and needs skilled nursing services

In such cases, the lack of health care professionals and treatment are foremost concerns.

This Is the Only Way to Be Sure You Make the Right Decision

Each senior is different and there is no single right or wrong solution. This will depend on your loved one's cognitive function, health, safety requirements and quality of life.

For any consideration, tour several communities, ask pertinent questions, and watch staff interact with citizens. Take into account the needs that your loved one currently has, as well as future needs.

It's also important to involve healthcare providers in the decision-making process. Medical evaluations and longer-term care needs can give physicians, geriatric specialists and social workers a good idea of what to recommend for the benefit of the patient.

Final Thoughts

Making a decision about whether to go with a memory care community or a nursing home is not always an easy one to make, but understanding what each is designed to do can help it to be less overwhelming. Memory care communities provide special care and programs, secure housing, and caring staff to assist those living with dementia and memory loss. Nursing homes offer full-service health care for older adults who have serious health care needs.

When you carefully consider your loved one's condition and what care is needed, you can choose an environment that is comfortable, safe, dignifying and allows your loved one to have the best quality of life possible.