Memory Care vs Skilled Nursing
Written By: Shari Flight, CDP, Owner & Co-founder of Ember Holistic Care LLC
Elder care has evolved significantly over the years as older adults continue to live longer, and the baby boomers begin to enter their elder years. Our knowledge on how to properly care for the growing elderly population continues to grow as well. However, one thing that remains to be an area of confusion is how Memory Care Assisted Living differs from a Nursing Home.
Unfortunately, there is still so much unfamiliarity around what Memory Care Assisted Living is, and what they can do for the person living with dementia. This lack of knowledge with Memory Care Assisted Living is not just with caregivers, but also with some physicians. It is so incredibly important to make sure that professionals assisting older adults and their families have an awareness of the different options available for the person living with dementia so that they can refer them to the appropriate options.
Memory Care Assisted Living communities are a social model, where their first focus is assisting the person and their dementia symptoms through socialization and non-pharmacological approaches. It has been shown that socialization, engagement, and changing their approach to the person living with dementia can decrease symptoms of confusion, agitation, anxiety, etc. On top of taking this approach of more of a social model, they also assist with the medical needs of the person living with dementia. The nursing team and caregivers provide the residents with around the clock care including medication management, assistance with activities of daily living, incontinence care, etc. Assisted Living communities are more often than not private pay and do not accept insurance, such as Medicare, to pay for the monthly rent. However, some Long Term Care insurance policies can assist in covering some of the cost of the rent pending which policy you have. So, always ask this question upon touring!
Nursing Homes provide all the same care to their patients living with dementia that a Memory Care Assisted Living does. However, since they are more of a skilled setting, they can also provide more skilled based care such as assistance with feeding tubes, tracheostomy’s, insulin assistance for type 1 diabetics, etc. These types of services are not offered in Assisted Living Facilities, so knowing what your loved one’s needs are is important in trying to find a community that can safely care for them. Additionally, they are able to accept insurances, such as Medicaid and Medicare, to assist with room and board.
Both settings provide significant benefits to the person living with dementia. Deciding where you move your loved one will come down to their care needs, your vision for them, finances, and where you feel will be the best place to truly help them age in place and thrive as they continue with their dementia journey.
Ember Holistic Care can assist with finding the right location for your loved one. We always start our relationships off with our complimentary phone call. Here is where we learn about your loved ones needs, what your financial situation is, and what your overall goal is for you and your loved one. Fill out our contact form and someone from our team will reach out to set up the initial call and to begin this journey with you!
