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Why Is Memory Care Better Than Being at Home?
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.
Moving to a memory care community can be better than receiving care at home due to the 24-hour care and supervision, therapeutic activities and safety measures provided. Once your loved one reaches later stages of dementia, they may struggle to perform basic daily living tasks, including dressing, bathing or preparing meals, and be at an increased risk of certain illnesses and injuries from accidents or falls.
While your loved one may prefer living at home, you may not be equipped to cater to their evolving needs. That said, if they’re still in the early stages of dementia, at-home care may provide enough support for them to live safely and comfortably until their condition progresses.
Memory care community vs. at-home dementia care
Memory care communities are secure environments, with 24-hour specially trained staff to monitor residents and respond to emergencies, while at-home dementia care involves a personal care aide visiting your loved one’s home to provide daily living support and companionship.
Memory care communities can be beneficial if your loved one is prone to wandering, requires around-the-clock care or has significant cognitive decline because they offer therapeutic activities designed to improve memory and mood. Meanwhile, at-home care allows your loved one to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain regular routines, which may help with confusion and anxiety.
How do you choose the right memory care community?
Choosing the right memory care community depends on your loved one’s unique needs and the severity of their memory loss. If your loved one is struggling to maintain personal hygiene, withdrawing socially or experiencing personality changes, including increased agitation or aggression, a memory care community may benefit them. Choose a community with the optimal staff-to-resident ratio, social opportunities and therapeutic activities to meet your loved one’s needs. You’ll also want to consider your loved one’s other health needs. If they have additional medical conditions requiring medication or special treatment, it’s important to choose a community offering expansive skilled nursing services or care coordination and transportation for appointments. Additionally, the community should have an emergency call system and secure entrances and exits for resident safety, since wandering is common in those with dementia.