Assisted living communities are the most affordable and practical way for adults in their golden years of age in place. It combines the services of home health care with the safety of assisted living. While not everyone needs assisted living, it can be a godsend for those who do. That’s why you should know what it is and how it works before deciding where to move your parents if they become unable or unwilling to care for themselves. This guide will help you understand what memory care near Mandeville, LA, and assisted living communities offer to make the best choice for everyone involved.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a residential option for people who want to live independently but need some help with daily activities. Senior-friendly independent living communities are usually licensed by the state and provide services to help residents live independently. In addition to providing basic home care needs, assisted living communities may include meals, transportation, housekeeping, and activities like arts and crafts or Wii bowling in their offerings. Most states require that any community be at least Medicare-certified or Medicaid-approved; this means they must meet specific quality standards set by Medicare or Medicaid programs.
How Does Assisted Living Differ From Nursing Homes?
In assisted living communities, residents can enjoy a more independent lifestyle within a community of other members. They may need help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing, but they can still live independently without needing 24/7 care. However, nursing homes are designed for those who need round-the-clock assistance with all or most of their daily tasks—such as dressing themselves, eating meals, getting around their home safely, and using the bathroom—and have no family or friend resources to rely on.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is residential care for aging family members suffering from dementia or other types of mental impairments.
It’s an assisted living option providing specialized services for residents with dementia and other memory impairments, such as Alzheimer’s.
Many people use the terms “memory care” and “assisted living” interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Memory care services are geared toward those suffering from memory loss and related cognitive issues like mood disorders and behavioral problems associated with dementia. In fact, it’s often recommended that you seek out this type of senior housing if you have a loved one who may be struggling with these symptoms now or in the future.
Memory Care Services And Amenities
In contrast to independent living communities, memory care offers more structure. Residents can spend their days in a familiar environment—without being alone (or bored) all day long—while receiving constant supervision from care team members who understand their specific needs. The goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where residents can feel at ease while getting help when needed.
Who Needs Memory Care?
If you have a loved one with memory loss, dementia, or another condition affecting their ability to live independently, they may need memory care.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they may need a specialized approach to their care. The same goes if they are bedridden and require assistance getting up and moving around the house. Or if they’ve recently had a stroke and are recovering from it—they may not be able to get out on their own just yet but still want to enjoy life in other ways by staying active within their community.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various senior care options. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime!
