Sometimes, our aging parents may experience memory loss or memory-related conditions due to the natural effects of aging. We understand this can be a difficult time for you and your family. If a senior in your life is dealing with memory loss or memory-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it’s essential to choose a senior living community that can provide the best possible care. Our expert guide explains the difference between memory care and nursing homes to help you choose the right option for your loved one’s unique needs.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a form of long-term senior living specifically designed for individuals who are facing challenges with their memory and cognitive abilities, often due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. This specialized care is provided by trained employees who understand the unique needs of people with memory-related issues.
What Is A Nursing Home?
A nursing home is designed to provide round-the-clock care for individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and medical needs. Nursing homes are typically equipped with specially trained employees, including registered nurses, therapists and certified nursing assistants. They offer a wide range of services, including medication management, assistance with bathing and medical care for chronic conditions or post-surgery recovery.
Similarities Between Memory Care And Nursing Homes
Understanding the similarities and differences between nursing homes and memory care can help you make an informed decision about your loved one’s care. Here are some key similarities between the two:
- Typically, residents in both types of care receive assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating and grooming.
- Both memory care and nursing homes provide regular meals and snacks for their residents.
- While the types of employees found in memory care and nursing homes may be different, both types of care provide 24/7 assistance.
- Generally, residents in both nursing homes and memory care get to enjoy social activities, but memory care might have activities that are specifically designed for individuals with memory challenges.
Key Differences Between Memory Care And Nursing Homes
Some people may confuse nursing homes with memory care. While the two may share some key similarities, there are some distinct differences worth noting, such as:
- Focus of care: Memory care communities specialize in providing care for individuals with memory-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Nursing homes, on the other hand, offer a broader spectrum of care for individuals who have various medical needs.
- Type of employees: Employees in nursing homes typically have varying levels of expertise to meet the medical and personal care needs of residents, while most memory care employees receive the specialized training needed to care for residents with memory challenges.
- Environment and design: Memory care communities typically offer unique features to support individuals with memory loss, such as secure entrances and easy-to-navigate layouts which are designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. On the other hand, nursing homes feature a more traditional layout designed to provide residents with specialized medical care and assistance with daily activities.
- Social activities and programming: Typically, memory care communities offer specialized activities and programming, such as memory-enhancing games, music therapy and sensory stimulation, tailored to the cognitive needs and abilities of residents with memory impairments. While some nursing homes may offer a variety of recreational activities and social events for residents, they are not typically designed for individuals with memory loss.
- Level of care: Memory care communities are designed to provide 24/7 assistance for residents with memory challenges. On the other hand, the level of care offered in a nursing home can vary, depending on the individual’s unique care needs.
Cost Comparison
Understanding the cost of memory care vs nursing homes can help you make an informed decision about your loved one’s care. According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of a nursing home in the US is between $7,908 and $9,034 per month. It’s important to recognize that actual costs may vary significantly based on a wide range of factors, including the specific community within each state, your loved one’s care needs and their individual preferences or circumstances. Other variables, such as the cost of living, geographical location and the availability of care providers, can also influence the cost of memory care vs nursing homes.
Here’s an overview of how memory care and nursing home costs compare across the country:
State
Memory Care (Median Monthly Cost)
Nursing Home (Median Monthly Cost)
Alabama
$4,410
$7,832
Alaska
$4,817
$19,267
Arizona
$5,458
$7,832
Arkansas
$5,053
$7,206
California
$5,419
$7,206
Colorado
$5,925
$9,759
Connecticut
$7,250
$15,508
Delaware
$5,972
$11,467
Florida
$4,650
$10,182
Georgia
$3,995
$8,177
Hawaii
$8,100
$12,532
Idaho
$4,336
$10,809
Illinois
$5,900
$7,676
Indiana
$5,300
$8,114
Iowa
$5,669
$8,616
Kansas
$6,000
$7,707
Kentucky
$4,513
$8,004
Louisiana
$4,710
$7,112
Maine
$7,695
$12,563
Maryland
$6,285
$11,858
Massachusetts
$7,695
$14,009
Michigan
$5,213
$10,887
Minnesota
$6,418
$10,589
Mississippi
$4,452
$8,773
Missouri
$5,800
$6,109
Montana
$6,105
$8,427
Nebraska
$5,935
$7,832
Nevada
$4,284
$10,511
New Hampshire
$6,950
$11,965
New Jersey
$7,710
$11,968
New Mexico
$4,600
$9,023
New York
$6,895
$14,395
North Carolina
$5,490
$8,616
North Dakota
$5,745
$8,145
Ohio
$5,315
$8,616
Oklahoma
$6,148
$6,109
Oregon
$6,275
$15,023
Pennsylvania
$5,635
$11,091
Rhode Island
$5,925
$12,532
South Carolina
$4,415
$8,929
South Dakota
$6,083
$8,835
Tennessee
$4,417
$8,914
Texas
$5,356
$5,483
Utah
$4,220
$7,832
Vermont
$8,400
$13,628
Virginia
$5,555
$9,524
Washington
$6,175
$12,532
Washington D.C.
$9,643
$9,642
West Virginia
$5,460
$11,968
Wisconsin
$5,850
$10,558
Wyoming
$6,341
$7,832
Learn How Much Memory Care Costs In Your Area
As you search for the right community for your loved one, budget might be an important consideration. However, with many options to choose from, the process of comparing costs can be overwhelming. Our cost calculator is here to help you compare the cost of memory care vs nursing homes in your area.
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How To Make The Decision
It’s normal for our parents’ needs to change as they age. Sometimes, this might require changing the type of care they receive. Selecting the right service requires careful consideration of your loved one’s situation to ensure they’ll be in a supportive environment that aligns with their unique needs.
Is Memory Care Right For Your Loved One?
Ultimately, deciding between nursing home vs memory care will depend on the unique care needs of your loved one. However, some changes in our aging parents’ needs may be easier to notice than others.
Here are some signs that memory care might be a beneficial option for your family member:
- Memory loss: If your loved one is experiencing memory challenges that affect their daily life, like forgetting important tasks or getting lost in familiar places, memory care might be the right choice. For instance, if they frequently forget to take their medication or struggle to remember the names of close family members, specialized memory care can provide the support they need.
- Safety concerns: Safety is a top priority for seniors with memory issues. If your loved one has had incidents like wandering off or forgetting to turn off appliances, a memory care community can offer a supportive and secure environment with trained employees who can ensure they’re safe and cared for at all times.
- Caregiver stress: Sometimes, taking care of a loved one with memory issues can be overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling multiple roles as a caregiver. If you’re struggling to care for your loved one due to stress or burnout, a memory care community can provide specialized care for their needs while you take a break.
Is A Nursing Home Right For Your Loved One?
Sometimes, choosing between a nursing home, memory care or another option, like skilled nursing, for a loved one can be less straightforward. Here are some key signs that a nursing home may be the right option for your loved one:
- Medical needs: If your aging parent requires regular medical attention, like help with medication, wound care or round-the-clock monitoring due to a chronic condition, a nursing home might be the right fit. They have skilled nurses available 24/7 to provide the necessary care.
- Mobility issues: It’s normal for an aging parent to experience mobility issues. If you notice your loved one struggling to move around safely on their own, a nursing home can provide assistance with activities like bathing, dressing and getting in and out of bed. Most nursing homes often have equipment like grab bars and wheelchairs to help with mobility.
- Safety concerns: If you’re worried about your loved one living alone and facing risks like falls or forgetting to take medications, a nursing home can provide a safer environment, with dedicated employees available around the clock to help in emergency situations.
Transitioning To A Care Community
Transitioning a loved one to a care community can be an emotional journey filled with both hope and uncertainty. Here are some tips to help make the process less overwhelming for you and your family member:
- Acknowledge emotions: Understand that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from sadness to relief to uncertainty. Take the time to process these feelings, and know that it’s okay to seek support from friends, family or a counselor.
- Maintain open communication: Talk openly with your loved one about the transition. Listen to their concerns and preferences, and involve them in the decision as much as possible. This can help them feel more empowered and in control of the process.
- Plan ahead: It’s important to ensure your loved one is mentally prepared for the transition. This can help make it easier for them to settle into their new surroundings. Additionally, consider planning the move well in advance to minimize stress.
Give Your Loved One The Care They Deserve
At StoryPoint Group, your loved one’s unique needs are at the heart of everything we do. Our team of dedicated and experienced employees are committed to meeting each resident’s unique needs — so they can make the most of each day. If you need additional guidance on memory care or any other type of senior living, we’re here to help you. Give us a call today at 1-844-275-9990 or visit a StoryPoint Group community near you.
