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What Is the Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
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.
The main difference between memory care and dementia care is the level of daily living support residents need. Memory care is typically designed for those in earlier stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia who need daily living support but are still somewhat independent. However, dementia care is ideal for those with advanced cognitive impairments requiring more intensive, specialized services.
Upon admission to a memory care community, your loved one will undergo a personalized assessment to determine their stage of memory loss and what level of care best aligns with their needs. Since symptoms progress gradually, accessing care early can improve quality of life as your loved one transitions through varying stages of dementia.
How can you tell what stage of dementia someone is in?
Doctors assess and determine stages of dementia, but you can get an idea of your loved one’s stage based on the severity of symptoms. During early-stage dementia, your loved one may function independently and display mild symptoms, including forgetting names of new people, misplacing or losing objects and having difficulty planning or organizing tasks. If they have middle-stage dementia, they may fail to recall personal information, including their address or phone number, and experience confusion about where they are and what day it is.
Late-stage dementia elicits the most severe symptoms. Your loved one may struggle to maintain conversations, control movement or be aware of their surroundings. They often require around-the-clock supervision to prevent wandering and maintain personal hygiene, meaning living at home may no longer be safe.
How to talk to a loved one about seeking care
Talking to a loved one about seeking memory or dementia care isn’t easy, but having conversations about their condition and potential care options at the first sign of symptoms can help prevent disagreements later. Plan what you’re going to say ahead of time, and choose an environment where your loved one feels comfortable having this conversation.
It’s also important to let them express their feelings or concerns and have a say in what care type aligns best with their situation. They may be more open to discussing the topic if they feel they have some level of control.