Difference between Assisted Living and Memory Care at Westminster Village in West Lafayette
Most older adults plan to live in their home for as long as possible. But when living at home is no longer safe, practical, or enjoyable, it’s time to consider a plan B.
A move to assisted living or memory care can make life a whole lot brighter for a loved one and their family members.
Your loved one can get as much or as little help as they need with daily activities; take advantage of the many amenities, programs and services on-site; make new friends; and enjoy a lifestyle designed to support their well-being.
If all they need is a little help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or housekeeping, assisted living may be right for you and your loved one. But if a loved one is having more bad days than good ones due to dementia, a memory care neighborhood could offer a better quality of life.
Either way, choosing assisted living or memory care is a life-changing decision. To better understand which living option may be right for your situation, read on.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living communities allow older adults to maintain their independence and enjoy living in a community with their peers while still receiving the help they need. The most common assisted living services offered include medication management and assistance with using the bathroom, dressing, and grooming. Housekeeping, meals, laundry, and transportation services, as well as social programs and activities, are typically included. Staff is available 24/7 to provide assistance. Residents are assessed when they move in, so they can get a service plan tailored to their needs.
What is memory care?
Memory care is for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. It offers a safe, supportive environment designed to provide a high quality of life for residents. Staff members typically receive specialized memory care training and are available 24/7. At Westminster Village, for example, staff members receive training in Heartfelt Connections — A Memory Care Program®. This nationally recognized program equips our caregivers with the knowledge and skills to deliver personalized, compassionate memory care services. In addition, residents receive help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating.
Heartfelt Connections: Care tailored to your loved one.
As you consider your memory care options, it’s important to ask about staff training. At Westminster Village, staff members who work with memory care residents have participated in Heartfelt Connections — a specially designed training program that prepares caregivers to manage dementia symptoms, including difficult and combative behaviors, in a kind, compassionate manner using specific dementia care techniques.
In addition, Heartfelt Connections emphasizes a personal approach to care. We start by getting to know each resident’s personal history so we can design activities that have personal appeal and meaning. Personalized activities that strengthen ties to the past, combined with group activities that encourage social engagement, help residents feel happy and connected.
Assisted living or memory care: Which is right for your situation?
If a loved one is relatively independent but requires some help during the day, assisted living may be a good fit. On the other hand, if a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia, we invite you to tour our memory care community so you can see how we help each resident and their family members enjoy a high quality of life.
To learn more about the difference between assisted living and memory care at Westminster Village, contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
