Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: What’s the Difference?

When older loved ones struggle to live safely and manage typical activities of daily living at home, long-term care is a common solution. The challenge becomes finding the right “new home,” especially if your elderly parent or spouse is experiencing memory problems.

“It’s vital to really look at the support needs and challenges the person you’re supporting is facing at this point and to try to look honestly at what’s working and what’s not,” says Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist, dementia care advocate and owner of Positive Approach to Care in Efland, North Carolina.

Learn about two common senior living types—assisted living and memory care—and how to determine the best care for your elderly parent or spouse.

What Is Assisted Living and Who Benefits From It?

Assisted living is a long-term care facility that allows seniors to be independent while providing help with daily tasks. It often provides a small apartment, housekeeping, one to three community meals a day and activities.

“The best candidate for assisted living is someone who needs assistance with their activities of daily living but still has their reasoning skills intact,” says Josephine Pope, the director of sales at The Residence at Voorhees, an assisted living and memory care facility in Voorhees, New Jersey. “Residents can enjoy socialization and activities with people their own age, which helps with isolation after spouses and friends are no longer with them.”

Assisted living residents often require personal care support, but they’re able to communicate their needs, says Briana Hafiz, a physical therapy assistant in Philadelphia. Residents may receive help with taking medicine, bathing, toileting and other activities of daily living, or ADLs.

What Is Memory Care and Who Benefits From It?

Memory care facilities are secured facilities that cater to the needs of people with some form of dementia. “Memory care facilities typically have smaller bedrooms but more available, open and inviting common spaces,” says Snow.

Research shows the way memory care facilities are designed can be helpful in easing the stressful transition from home to a long-term care community. Softer colors, lack of clutter and clear signage are common therapeutic touches in memory care.

“Confusion and loss of memory can cause anxiety, and having a predictable routine can help ease it,” says Pope. “As dementia progresses, they may forget how to do normal activities of daily living, such as brushing their teeth, eating, showering and dressing.” Memory care facilities ensure that these residents get these needs met.

Typically, memory care has a smaller staff-to-patient ratio because a person with dementia has greater care needs. Staff members often have additional training in dementia care as well, though it’s important to ask.

Safety is a significant concern for people who may need a memory care facility. In fact, six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once in their lives, and many do so repeatedly, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Although common, wandering can be incredibly dangerous, and it’s one of the concerns that often weighs most heavily on caregivers and family members.

Memory care facilities have mechanisms in place to prevent wandering, says Pope. “Memory care communities are secured by wander devices [wearable trackers] or locked and alarmed doors,” she says. “Most provide outside areas for residents to spend time, but in a safe and secure manner.”

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: Key Similarities and Differences

Memory care isn’t always a standalone community. Often, assisted living or skilled nursing homes have a separate memory care wing.

Seniors in memory care may experience the same socialization and activities, but with an added layer of 24/7 protection. “If possible, having both options in one facility can be an advantage,” says Snow. “The person can begin in a less restrictive type of setting in assisted living, with the option to transition to memory care as needs, abilities and interests are changed by the condition.”

Both care types offer some autonomy while assisting with cleaning, bathing and medication management, but staff in a memory care unit is specifically trained to work with people with cognitive impairments.

Assisted Living and Memory Care Costs

The median rate for assisted living facilities in the U.S. is $4,300 a month, according to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey[2]. Memory care generally adds 20% to 30% to the cost.

Location is a factor that can influence cost dramatically. For instance, New Jersey and Delaware both average well over $6,000 a month for assisted living while Missouri is the only state with an average of about $3,000 a month.

Medicaid may cover some of these costs, but Medicare may only contribute to short-term medical treatments offered within the facility—not the costs of actually living there. People often use long-term care insurance and savings to cover assisted living and memory care costs. Sometimes there are veterans benefits available to cover costs as well.

How to Choose the Best Senior Living Community for You

• Give your senior loved one input. “If the individual is competent enough to weigh in, then they need to be a part of the conversation,” says Dan Del Collo III, a Moorestown, New Jersey-based elder law attorney. “If not, hopefully, the family has some form of a power of attorney, where they can make these kinds of decisions.”
• Consider their unique needs. “What you want to know is if there’s an exercise program or rehabilitation options,” says Del Collo. “And how often can your loved one have visitors? Go in and go beyond the foyer and see the activity level of the common area.”
• Ask for reviews. Ask family members of current residents what their loved one’s experience has been like in the facility. These recommendations are especially important when a resident may not be able to speak for themselves due to impairments.
• Consider a referral service to narrow choices. Finding assisted living and memory care is challenging, especially if you live in a different state. Free referral services like A Place for Mom and Caring.com can suggest assisted living and memory care facilities that fit your price range and loved one’s needs. They may even help arrange live video tours.
• Talk to elder care experts. Your loved ones’ doctor, geriatricians, aging life care specialists (sometimes called geriatric care managers), social workers and occupational therapists who work with the elderly are experienced sources of advice and support. They can help you make an informed decision to ensure your loved one is both comfortable and safe in whichever residence you choose.

SOURCE: FORBES