Seniors with Alzheimer’s need a lot of help in their daily lives, and it grows more as the disease progresses. For such seniors, there are memory care facilities and nursing homes. Both caregivers focus on providing support; however, there are differences which is important for you to understand.
Both provide 24-hour care and supervision help with ADLs, but memory care specializes in caring for people suffering from memory loss. Nursing homes are geared toward seniors who can’t care for themselves. They are bedridden, need a wheelchair, or require daily nursing care.
This article will outline the distinctions between memory care and nursing care, enabling you to make an informed decision.
What Are Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes are also known as skilled nursing facilities. They provide a wide range of health and personal care services to seniors who need more assistance than assisted living facilities can provide.
Nursing homes give specialized medical care to seniors with complex medical conditions or require rehabilitative services. They have trained medical professionals available around the clock to provide skilled nursing care- administering medications, managing chronic conditions, and addressing any medical issues that may arise.
Moreover, nursing homes also provide 24-hour supervision for their residents. This ensures that seniors with mobility issues or cognitive impairments are always looked after, and their safety is prioritized.
Personal care services are an integral part of nursing home care. Staff members assist residents with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and ambulation. It maintains their independence and promotes their overall well-being.
Furthermore, nursing homes often offer rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. These services aim to help individuals regain or maintain their physical, cognitive, and functional abilities.
What Are Memory Care Facilities?
Memory care facilities cater to individuals with memory loss, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. One of the primary objectives of memory care units is to create a secure environment for seniors with memory loss.
These units often have controlled access to prevent residents from wandering and ensure their safety. They also use signage, color-coded doors, and memory boxes to help residents navigate their surroundings and enhance their cognitive abilities.
Trained staff members assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. They also provide specialized care and support to address cognitive decline, including memory exercises, cognitive therapy, and behavior management.
In addition to the essential care provided, memory care facilities offer various amenities and activities to promote engagement and quality of life. These may include structured schedules, group activities, pet therapy, and memory-enhancing programs. They provide a sense of routine and purpose, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with memory loss.
Memory care units can be found within assisted living or nursing facilities, or they may operate as standalone buildings. They are designed to provide a dedicated and supportive environment to individuals with memory loss, ensuring they receive the specialized care required to live a fulfilling life.
Memory care vs nursing home- Which one is right?
Memory care facilities are designed specifically for individuals with memory loss, providing a secure environment, specialized care, and cognitive support. These facilities also offer amenities and activities to enhance quality of life.
On the other hand, nursing homes offer a higher level of medical care and support for individuals with various health conditions or disabilities. They assist with daily living tasks and medical services and often have medical professionals on staff.
When a Nursing Home is Required
If a person with dementia has a debilitating medical issue in addition to their cognitive decline, a nursing home may be the only choice. Nursing homes can provide medical care, round-the-clock nursing assistance, and specialized services for individuals with complex medical conditions.
When Memory Care is the Better Option
For individuals with dementia, memory care can often be the better option compared to nursing homes. Memory care facilities are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of those with cognitive decline, offering specialized interventions and activities that can slow the advancement of dementia.
One of the key advantages of memory care is the range of interventions and activities available. These can include cognitive stimulation programs, reminiscence therapy, and music therapy, among others. These interventions have been shown to alleviate symptoms and improve overall cognitive function in individuals with dementia.
Additionally, memory care communities have a focus on creating a safe and secure environment. This is done through measures such as secure entrances and exits, dementia-friendly design, and personnel who are trained to address wandering behaviors.
| Service type | Memory Care | Nursing Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Meal services | Yes | Yes |
| Housekeeping and laundry services | Yes | Yes |
| Social activities | Yes | Yes |
| Medication management | Yes | Yes |
| Help with daily activities (ADLs) | Yes | Yes |
| Specialized care for patients with memory loss | Yes | Yes |
| 24-hour care and supervision | Yes | Yes |
| Secured entrances and exits to prevent wandering | Yes | Yes |
| Rehabilitative therapies as needed | No | Yes |
| Memory-enhancing therapies | Yes | No |
| Unique facility layout and design to reduce confusion | Yes | No |
| Transportation to appointments | Yes | No |
Memory care vs nursing home- Costs and expenses
When comparing the costs and expenses of memory care and nursing homes, several key differences come into play. Location is one of the most important factors influencing the price.
The services provided also impact the cost. Memory care facilities typically offer specialized care for individuals with dementia, including interventions, therapies, and activities tailored to their cognitive needs. Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide more comprehensive medical care and assistance with daily living activities. This difference in services often results in higher costs for nursing homes.
Room sharing can affect expenses as well. Memory care facilities usually offer private rooms to ensure a calm and personalized environment for residents. In nursing homes, residents may have the option of choosing between a semi-private room, which is shared with another resident, or a private room at a higher cost.
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median monthly cost for memory care is around $5,000, while nursing home care averages around $7,800 monthly. However, these costs can vary significantly depending on the region. For example, memory care in the Midwest may have a median cost of $4,500 per month, whereas in the Northeast, it can reach $7,500 per month.
Regarding nursing homes, the survey highlights that the median cost for a semi-private room is approximately $7,000 per month, while a private room can cost around $8,756 per month.
