How Do You Decide Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Ashlee Shefer

Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.

You can decide between assisted living and memory care based on the severity of your loved one’s cognitive decline and their current abilities. If they’re becoming increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a memory care community can ensure safety and provide therapeutic activities to enhance cognitive functions. However, if your loved one is still able to drive, maintain personal hygiene and participate in social activities, assisted living may be more suitable.

As your loved one progresses through the stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, their needs will likely change and require more intensive care. Consulting a doctor can provide a good idea of your loved one’s condition and whether assisted living or memory care is the right fit.

Assisted living versus memory care

Assisted living and memory care provide housing, meals and assistance with daily living activities, including dressing and bathing. However, memory care communities have specially trained staff and offer therapeutic activities, such as reminiscence and sensory stimulation, to help residents improve cognitive functions. Additionally, they implement safety measures, including obscured entrances and color-coded directional cues, to prevent seniors from wandering or getting lost.

At an assisted living community, residents live mostly independently in a residential-style building or neighborhood and have access to daily living support as needed. Activities focus more on helping them build thriving social lives and stay entertained. That said, some assisted living communities offer skilled nursing care to maintain resident health.

Can you access memory care in assisted living?

Some assisted living communities have specialized memory care units or buildings to care for residents with cognitive impairments. Other long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities, may also offer memory care. Choosing a community with levels of care can benefit your loved one as their needs evolve.

Moving someone experiencing the later stages of memory loss to an entirely new location can be difficult. Being in unfamiliar surroundings may enhance symptoms such as confusion or anxiety, making it more challenging for them to adjust. Many senior living communities maintain similar decor and layouts in all buildings and units, which can make the transition between care types easier.