How Residential Alzheimer’s Facilities Differ from Assisted Living

Residential dementia care and memory-focused care can meet the unique challenges of seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia in Wichita, KS

Choosing the best type of care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia depends on a variety of unique factors. Some things you and your family may consider include the level of care they currently need, future care needs, personal living preferences, and proximity to friends and loved ones. As you research senior care options in Wichita, KS, and the surrounding areas, it is important to understand the difference between memory-focused Alzheimer’s facilities and general assisted living facilities.

As our senior loved one’s age, it is expected that they will need some extra assistance. This may include transportation, help with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship. Remaining active and social is an essential aspect of senior wellness, so participating in family events, maintaining hobbies, and getting regular exercise are important. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, daily activities and personal care are more challenging. Dementia can cause decreased mobility, damaged cognitive function, and confusion that can make cooking, driving, and social activities impossible.

Because seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia respond differently to senior care services and activities, memory care Alzheimer’s facilities were created to meet their unique needs. Understand how memory care facilities differ from traditional assisted living. This will help your family choose the best care setting for your loved one.

Residential Alzheimer’s Facilities

An easy way to approach residential memory care is by breaking the name into parts. Part one of this type of care setting is “residential.” This means that seniors live in a home setting or communal style living. This often includes a private room, sharing living spaces, and activities all within one facility or unit. Part two of this type of care setting is the focus, which is Alzheimer’s or dementia care.

Residential memory care facilities are designed to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and other memory-related diseases. Trained staff members may include skilled caregivers, nurses, occupational therapists, and medical doctors. Using an interdisciplinary approach, residential Alzheimer’s facilities will utilize the expertise of various fields to care for the physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being of residents. [Source]

To learn more about a person-centered approach to memory care, read our article “Interdisciplinary Approach Improves Dementia Care”

How Memory Care is Different

In assisted living communities, residents are often more independent and require little supervision. This type of care setting may be a good option for those with middle-stage Alzheimer’s who require some care assistance on a daily basis.

When determining the best care option for your loved one, there a few big differences between basic assisted living and Alzheimer’s facilities:

• Safety Checks and Supervision
  Due to the cognitive and behavioral changes that come with dementia, memory care facilities keep a closer eye on the safety and security of residents. The care provider staff will form close relationships with residents and learn how to best communicate with them.
• Enrichment Activities & Socialization
  Assisted living facilities often have social activities such as bingo, card games, movies, or shared meals. For seniors with Alzheimer’s, these types of activates may be frustrating, cause anxiety, or simply unenjoyable. Residential Alzheimer’s facilities create activities that are stimulating and meaningful for those with dementia. This might include sensory objects, puzzles, music therapy, or light exercise.
• Skills, Training, and Number of Staff
  Memory care facilities often have a lower patient-to-staff ratio in order to best care for residents with dementia. Consistency is key when providing memory care and seniors may become agitated or confused by new faces every day. Having the same care team will not only help your loved one be more comfortable but also allows the staff to truly understand their personality and unique needs to provide personalized care and attention.

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Determining When It Is Time for Memory Care

Making the decision to start memory care for your loved one is a difficult decision, one that often involves the whole family. The first step is recognizing that there are options for specialized, residential Alzheimer’s facilities close to home in Wichita, KS. If you think that your loved one could benefit from part-time adult day care services or complete residential dementia care, consider ComfortCare Homes. When it comes to long-term memory care, ComfortCare Homes is Wichita’s best alternative to traditional nursing home facilities. We provide our Residents with individualized memory care, driven by their own unique behavioral needs, in a real home, surrounded by well-trained and loving people who genuinely care for them.

Alzheimer’s Care Resources
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For more information about memory care services provided by ComfortCare Homes, please call our office at (316) 685-3322.