Is There Any Significant Difference Between Regular Assisted Living and Memory Care AL?

March 19, 2019 by ·
Assisted Living Mobile AL: Is There Any Significant Difference Between Regular Assisted Living and Memory Care AL?

Assisted Living Mobile AL: Is There Any Significant Difference Between Regular Assisted Living and Memory Care AL?

Assisted living can be a wonderful option for those seniors struggling with basic care at home. It can provide people the opportunity to live as independently as they want or can, given their physical capacity, but also rely on experienced staff members for help just about any time during the day. Some people have questions, or are confused, when it comes to the difference between a regular assisted living facility and memory care assisted living.

Memory care assisted living is for those dealing with memory related challenges.

Most commonly these involve some form of dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s. When a person has been diagnosed with any form of dementia, memory loss will be one of the many symptoms they will have to deal with as it progresses. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and the average life expectancy for somebody upon diagnosis is between 8 and 10 years (Alzheimer’s Association).

Some of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia is memory loss that begins to affect daily life. A person may begin forgetting things he or she was about to do, may struggle to keep track of conversations they had recently with family or friends, and may go from one place to the next, become disoriented, not remember what they were intending to do or where they were going, got turned around, and possibly even lost.

As the memory loss becomes more significant, it can place an incredible amount of pressure on a spouse, adult children, friends, neighbors, and others who may be tasked with trying to help them, keep them safe, and more importantly, keep them home.

At some point in time, proper support is going to be essential.

Memory care assisted living will have incredibly well trained, experienced staff members who understand the key dynamics that comprise Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia and memory related illnesses. They will be active in looking out for elderly residents, support them, encourage them, and provide them consistency and routine.

Routine is incredibly important for somebody with dementia.

When somebody does the same thing, the same way, day after day, night after night, week after week, and so on, that routine becomes habitual. When that person suddenly becomes disoriented, confused, frustrated, and scared, being guided into one of their routines can offer them incredible comfort. It can short-circuit aggressive behaviors and improve quality of life.

That’s what a specifically designed memory care assisted living community can offer. It is different than regular assisted living, and for those dealing with dementia, the right support can be found at memory care facilities.

If you or an aging loved one are considering assisted living in Mobile, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

Filed Under: Assisted Living Mobile AL, Regular Assisted Living and Memory Care · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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