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What Is The Difference Between Assisted Living & Memory Care?

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An older adult man sitting at a table holding a book and engaged in conversation with an older adult woman in a wheelchair.

When a loved one needs help from a team of experienced and supportive caregivers, Boden of Coon Rapids Senior Living is the way to go. Two of the most common types of senior living are assisted living and memory care. However, these communities offer different levels of care and are designed for different people. So, what is the difference between assisted living and memory care?

Assisted living is designed to support older adults who need assistance with some aspects of daily living but still want to remain independent. On the other hand, memory care is designed specifically to cater to the needs of older adults living with memory impairment, and caregivers in these communities are extensively trained in supporting older adults with conditions like dementia.

What Is Assisted Living?

As we get older, we’re constantly adjusting and adapting. Our needs change, and so do our capabilities. Sometimes, advanced age can make some daily tasks harder, like bathing, dressing, cooking, or cleaning. There’s often a time when we need a hand.

But what if you want to remain independent while still getting help with the tasks that give you trouble? That’s when it’s time for assisted living.

Boden of Coon Rapids is designed specifically for older adults who need some assistance here and there but want to keep their autonomy where they can. In assisted living, residents live in personal apartments and receive a custom care plan so they can get the help they need. This plan is tailored to their unique situation and balances caregiving and independence.

Choosing Boden of Coon Rapids is a wonderful way for older adults to maintain a high quality of life. Plus, they offer plenty of different programs, services, and amenities. Residents can socialize with others, meet new friends, and try different things—there’s a whole world of possibilities.

And all the while, they’re able to get help with:

  • Daily activities
  • Meal preparation
  • Housekeeping
  • Transportation

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?

So, how do you tell if your loved one would qualify for assisted living? Usually, potential residents need to be medically stable—while assisted living communities may have a healthcare professional on-site, they aren’t designed to provide long-term advanced medical care. Residents also should be over the age of 55 and in need of daily support.

If your loved one meets these qualifications, it can help to pay attention to see if they’d benefit from assisted living. Look for the signs that your loved one needs a hand:

  • They’re struggling to maintain their home
  • They need help with bathing, dressing, or other daily activities
  • They’re feeling isolated or lonely
  • They forget to take their medications or have difficulty managing them
  • They’ve had recent falls or safety incidents at home

If these signs sound familiar, it may be time for assisted living for your loved one.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care—another popular choice of senior living—is designed specifically for older adults living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other memory-related conditions or impairments. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and memory care aims to help.

In memory care, older adults living with memory impairment get their own apartment. On the premises at Boden of Coon Rapids is a team of experienced caregivers with extensive training in supporting older adults with dementia.

The physical layout is designed with these conditions in mind. The layout is simple, straightforward, and predictable, with maps in the hallway. Some communities even work in color coordination to reduce the likelihood of residents wandering or getting turned around. And the environment is set up to be safe, supportive, and comfortable.

Boden of Coon Rapids provides a safe and secure environment that focuses on managing behavioral and cognitive symptoms. With structured routines, programs designed to counteract cognitive decline, and on-site therapy to support your loved one, memory care provides a high quality of life and incredible support.

The Benefits of Memory Care

One of the significant benefits of memory care is the specialized care provided by staff members who are trained in handling the challenges associated with memory loss. These professionals understand the unique needs of individuals with dementia and can offer the proper support.

Boden of Coon Rapids offers a home where your loved one can enjoy their life safely, securely, and loved. All the while, your loved one has access to structured activities and therapy programs aiming to slow the progression of cognitive decline and memory loss.

How to Choose Between Assisted Living & Memory Care

When it comes to choosing between assisted living and memory care, it greatly depends on your loved one’s needs. Assisted living is often the way to go if they need a hand with daily tasks but otherwise are medically stable and cognitively strong. Meanwhile, if they’re experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss, memory care may be the right choice for your family.

A group of older adults at a senior living community sit around a table laughing and playing cards together

Easing the Transition to Senior Living 

Transitioning to senior living, such as Boden of Coon Rapids, can be a significant change for you and your loved one. Whether your loved one needs assisted living or memory care, our team at is here to help. We offer senior living options and would love to support you and your family. Contact us today, and let’s work together to give your loved one the care they deserve.

Written by Lifespark

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