Assisted Living and Memory Care A Positive Option

When finding the right senior care option, the top considerations are frequently assisted living and memory care. While these two types of care may seem similar, they are designed to address different needs. Assisted living is a type of long-term care that provides support with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Memory care, on the other hand, is specialized care for individuals with memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

In both instances, the centers are designed just for seniors assisted living needs. The assisted family living environment is highly regulated to ensure the individuals staying there get the best care possible. Be well assisted living is a requirement for most seniors at some point in their lives. While it would be ideal to live at home forever, as aging occurs, you may not be able to care for yourself as you once did. You also may have a parent or another loved one that would benefit from the amenities offered at these facilities. Discover more about the difference between new home senior care and memory care to determine the best solution.

The age at which people retire in the United States tends to be 63. While they may not need long-term care at that point, it is estimated that nearly 70% of Americans will need it some time after turning 65.

A recent survey showed that 55% of its participants were concerned about being a burden to their families at some point in the future. More specifically, these survey participants indicated that this was their greatest fear when thinking about the potential need for long-term care.

Living with or caring for a family member or friend with dementia is a reality for many individuals In the United States. Most dementia diagnoses are for Alzheimer’s, however, and this disease accounts for roughly 80% of all dementia diagnoses. There are over 5 million Americans currently living with this condition.

While most people with Alzheimer’s are over 65, there are approximately 200,000 individuals less than 65 that are living with early-onset Alzheimer’s. While many of these individuals may be currently living at home, others are living in a nursing home or an assisted living situation that provides memory care.

When an individual has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they may often require 24-hour supervision. While this varies from person-to-person and family-to-family, there are over 15 million people providing care for these individuals without being paid. Even though these care-givers may be wiling and loving family members and/or friends, there are other options available, such as a nursing home or assisted living situation.

It’s important to note that these facilities are highly regulated. They are more regulated, in fact, in 23 out of 50 states as a result of special care unit disclosure laws. Another benefit to these units and facilities is that they provide 24-hour supervision for their residents. Since Alzheimer’s patients may wander off and become disoriented, having 24-hour supervision assists with maintaining their safety.

Nearly 40% of the residents residing in assisted living facilities require help with daily activities. Because they were receiving the assistance they needed, such as with bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and other day-to-day activities, these individuals were able to live more independently.

Furthermore, since specific assisted living facilities provide memory care, individuals that have early-onset Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia are able to participate in activities that address their cognitive health.