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How Does Memory Care Differ from Assisted Living?

Senior resident and nurse sit together and discuss memory care vs assisted living

When considering moving into a senior living community, you want to compare the types of programs they offer. This can ensure that you are moving into the best place for your health and well-being. There are differences in the type of care that memory care vs. assisted living can provide. Both programs provide professional and compassionate care for senior adults who need daily assistance to maintain a certain quality of life. Where they differ is the type of care they offer. Those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease need specialized therapy to slow cognitive decline and potentially restore some lost functions.

At Baptist Retirement Community, we welcome seniors of all ages who need more care than an at-home caregiver can provide. We offer independent and assisted living programs, short and long-term rehabilitation, respite care, and memory care services. When seniors meet with our team, we will work with them to develop a plan that addresses all aspects of their condition and can adapt as their health changes. To learn more about our senior assisted living program, call 325.313.7931 or complete our online form today.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specialized care program that deals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological injuries or illnesses. It helps seniors hold onto their memories and relearn lost functions, like walking and speaking clearly. When comparing senior care programs, you will discover several memory care differences compared to other programs.

Memory care uses a variety of specialized treatments and therapies to slow seniors’ cognitive decline and restore some lost functions. Some of the therapies involved can include:

  • Medications
  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Physical exercise
  • Music therapy
  • Pet therapy
  • Art therapy

Each senior community is unique in the types of therapies they offer in its memory care programs. At Baptist Retirement Community, we work closely with our senior residents to provide quality care. Our team provides round-the-clock care in a secure and comfortable community that includes plenty of socializing and fun activities so they can make the most out of their sunset years.

Memory Care vs. Assisted Living

If you are researching different senior care programs, you may have questions about memory care and how it differs from assisted living programs. Here are some differences between memory care vs. assisted living care:

  • Memory care facilities offer more security – Seniors with dementia risk wandering off and getting lost. Memory care facilities allow residents to move around in a secure facility so they cannot get outside of the community. Many places include an enclosed outdoor courtyard so they can enjoy nature without fear of wandering off the property.
  • Assisted living offers more privacy and independence – Assisted living provides private homes for seniors while still being close to professional caregivers to see to their daily living needs. They have close access to other seniors for socializing, planned activities, and outings.
  • Memory care uses more specialized treatments – Seniors in a memory care program will work with various therapists to try and slow their mental decline. Depending on the person, they will work with physical, occupational, and speech therapists daily to relearn lost function or develop new ways to cope with any permanent disability.

Seniors who enroll in an assisted living program can enjoy socializing with other seniors. Depending on the community, they can access:

  • Private rooms
  • On-site restaurants
  • Gym
  • Transportation services
  • Educational programs
  • Beauty salon
  • On-site restaurant

If you are considering moving into a senior living community, plan to spend a few hours touring the facility and asking questions about the programs they offer. Be sure to discuss specific care needs to make the best decision for your or your parent’s future.

Come to Baptist Retirement Community for Our Senior Assisted Living Program

At Baptist Retirement Community, we welcome seniors who are ready to move into a senior living community. We offer care programs that can adapt to our residents’ changing needs. Our assisted living programs provide seniors with the care they need while still maintaining their independence. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can work with professional therapists who specialize in cognitive decline. We will discuss the memory care differences compared to our assisted living program with you. That way, you can make an informed decision about your care.

To learn more about our various senior care programs, contact us at 325.313.7931 today.