What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

When it comes to senior living, most communities provide a variety of options based on resident capabilities and needs. Many facilities, including some of our Southview Senior Communities, offer a continuum of care, where residents can comfortably age in place, surrounded by the attention they need at every stage.

But how do you know what to look for when a loved one requires daily assistance? And what is the difference between assisted living and memory care? Let’s discuss the difference between these two types of care, so you know what questions to ask when the time comes.

Support and Specialized Care

The main difference between assisted living and memory care is the amount and type of support that’s received. Residents in assisted living maintain a high level of independence but often need help with daily tasks, which include:

• Bathing, dressing, and personal care
• Mobility and transfers
• Cleaning, laundry, and/or meal preparation
• Medication management

Assisted living facilities generally offer a variety of care options that provide a certain number of visits each day from a home health aide. Those visits usually include safety checks, medication reminders, and physical assistance as needed. Programming for assisted living offers a variety of activities for a range of interests in a largely social setting.

Memory care is equipped with 24-hour staffing designed to provide specialized care for residents with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias. Residents receive assistance with daily tasks as well but also have the safety of added supervision to prevent wandering and confusion.

Staffers in memory care are specially trained to de-escalate situations as well as engage and interact with residents based on their capabilities and care needs. Programs provide needed structure and involve smaller groups to promote personalized attention and focus while helping residents feel secure and relaxed.

Additionally, communities like Southview offer tiered packages for memory care residents that provide a range of support to meet each resident’s specific needs, from routine to advanced.

When to Consider Assisted Living or Memory Care

If you have an older loved one who is living alone—or possibly with you, the family caregiver—and faces daily struggles with personal care or safety, it may be time to consider other options. Each of our Southview communities provides a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with activities and amenities designed to help residents thrive and live their best lives, whether they require assisted living or memory care.

Assisted Living

For older adults who both want to and can maintain independence, assisted living provides social and educational activities as well as support with daily tasks. Some signs your loved one may require assisted living care include:

• Difficulty maintaining personal care
• Falling or other safety concerns
• Social withdrawal
• Neglected housekeeping chores

Having extra help and reminders from nurses or aides provides just enough support to keep them living happy, healthy, and independently.

Memory Care

On the other hand, memory care offers a more supervised and structured environment for those experiencing memory loss or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This is the best option for a loved one who:

• Wanders or often gets lost, even in familiar settings
• Displays sudden and unexplained mood changes, paranoia, or aggression
• Seems confused or disoriented by time and place
• Exhibits forgetful and dangerous behaviors
• Refuses or becomes fearful of basic care needs

Specially trained, round-the-clock staffers help create a safe and comfortable environment for residents whose cognitive decline makes them feel otherwise lost.

Assisted Living and Memory Care at Southview

While both offer personalized, hands-on support, assisted living and memory care services differ based on resident needs and requirements. Our Southview Senior Communities provide options for both, ensuring residents get the attention and supervision they need to live safely, comfortably, and happily in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Learn more by scheduling a tour at the Southview location nearest you.