As we age, our care needs naturally evolve and change. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70% of adults older than age 65 will end up requiring long-term care, with a significant portion experiencing some degree of cognitive decline or memory loss.
That’s where Gold Choice Senior Living can help! Each of our senior living communities in Ormond Beach, Deltona, and Palm Coast offer both assisted living and memory care services. As you explore different care options for your aging loved one, understanding the difference between the two types is critical. We’ll help you break it down!
What Does Assisted Living Offer?
Assisted living is designed to offer a balance of support and independence in a safe, nurturing environment and is best for older adults who can participate in daily activities but may need occasional assistance for issues related to mobility, mild cognitive decline, or chronic health conditions.
At assisted living communities, residents can receive daily assistance with tasks like getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management while enjoying perks and benefits like frequent social activities, restaurant-style dining, transportation services, and a variety of services and amenities to enhance their high quality of life.
What does memory care and dementia care offer?
Memory care can be likened to assisted living for dementia patients and individuals living with Alzheimer’s. If your loved one is experiencing advanced stages of memory loss, memory care offers a level of specialized care and structured programming to support their unique needs and ensure their safety.
Unlike assisted living communities, memory care communities offer 24/7 supervision by staff who are specifically trained in dementia care. Units are often secure environments to help prevent wandering. In addition to careful monitoring, communities also provide structured programming and activities designed to engage residents’ cognitive abilities, elicit positive emotions, stimulate memory, and encourage critical thinking.
Which Option is Best for My Loved One?
The primary difference between assisted living and memory care is the level of care and support each provide. The key then, is to evaluate your loved one’s needs and challenges and match them with the proper level of care. Start out by asking yourself if your loved one is:
- Having trouble accomplishing daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of personal hygiene?
- Exhibiting increased forgetfulness, mood changes, or confusion?
- Has an overly messy home (dishes in the sink, spoiled food, dirty floors)?
- Been missing medication doses?
- Experienced unexplained weight loss or gain?
- Had a fall or are experiencing greater mobility challenges?
- Become more isolated or withdrawn from social activities?
As you work on assessing your loved one’s health and practical needs, remember to reach out to family members, consult your loved one’s doctors, or even work with an outside geriatric practitioner. Many senior living communities, including Gold Choice, also employ move-in advisors who can offer support to determine the best care option for your loved one. Check out the AARP website for more guidance for evaluating your aging loved one’s needs and choosing the corresponding care option.
Assisted Living and Memory Care at Gold Choice
At Gold Choice, our assisted living communities offer comfortable, private apartments, personalized care plans, healthy dining options, social events and activities, and much more, while our memory care communities offer specialized care provided by a staff professionally trained in dementia care, programs designed to improve residents’ cognitive and emotional health, and an environment enhanced by robust safety measures. Amenities and services offered at each of our three communities include:
- Choice of a private or semi-private room
- Full calendar of life enrichment activities and events
- Three healthy, restaurant-style meals a day
- Quality monitoring and resident services available
- Large, landscaped courtyard
- Activities room, common area, and coffee bistro
- Housekeeping services for your convenience
- Cost savings through Gold Choice’s Patriot Promotion and Medicaid
Since our senior living communities in Ormond Beach, Deltona, and Palm Coast offer both assisted living and memory care services, residents have the option to age in place in a supportive, comfortable environment. Which means, if their cognitive needs change, they can always shift to a higher level of care!
Are you looking to learn how Gold Choice Senior Living offers assisted living and memory care solutions that provide dignity, comfort, and value? Reach out to speak to a Gold Choice advisor about our communities in Ormond Beach, Deltona, and Palm Coast, or call to arrange a tour!
We also invite you to download our free guide, “Your Guide to Paying for Senior Care at Gold Choice” for helpful advice on financing your senior care journey.