If you or a loved one is looking for senior memory care, then you may have heard the terms memory care” and dementia care. But what exactly is the difference between memory care vs. dementia care? Understanding the differences between these two care types can help you make an informed decision. After all, memory is essential to a person’s quality of life.
If you or a loved one is considering a memory care facility, contact Vertava Health today at 281.305.1846. Our senior memory care team consists of trained, caring professionals who specialize in helping individuals with memory loss and cognitive impairments.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is designed to provide specialized services and assistance to seniors who suffer from mild to moderate cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. This type of senior living usually involves more personalized attention than traditional nursing home facilities. In addition to providing basic medical and personal care assistance, memory care facilities offer activities tailored specifically to people with memory issues. Such activities often include:
- Art classes
- Music therapy sessions
- Puzzles
Other mentally stimulating activities are often available in these facilities to help residents maintain their mental acuity.
What Is Dementia Care?
Dementia is a term used to describe various symptoms related to progressive mental decline that affects thinking, behavior, and communication ability over time. It has many causes, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and stroke. Dementia care focuses on providing cognitive stimulation as well as long-term support for those suffering from advanced stages of dementia or other forms of cognitive decline.
Elements of dementia care include:
- Regular check-ins with health providers
- Supervision and assistance with personal care activities
- Supportive companionship and emotional support
- Group or individual therapies tailored to the needs of those living with dementia
- Creating a safe environment and monitoring for any changes in symptoms
This type of specialized care helps individuals stay active and engaged while managing their condition on a daily basis.
Memory Care vs. Dementia Care
The primary difference between memory care and dementia care is the level of assisted living required by each patient. Memory care helps individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment stay engaged in life while managing their condition with assistance from professionals trained in working with those who suffer from memory issues like Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Meanwhile, dementia care focuses on providing comprehensive medical assistance for those suffering from advanced stages of dementia or other forms of cognitive decline who require more intensive levels of long-term support in order to safely manage their condition on a day-to-day basis. Both types of senior living involve caring staff members who can provide compassionate assistance tailored specifically to each individual’s needs.
Discover Senior Memory Care at Buckner Parkway Place
At Buckner Parkway Place in Houston, Texas, our goal is always to provide quality memory care or dementia care for our residents. Our care is tailored to fit our residents’ specific needs safely and comfortably. We provide a secure environment where they can continue enjoying life without worrying about physical limitations. Our professional staff members are highly qualified in providing memory and dementia care services so that our residents can enjoy the best possible quality of life during this stage, no matter their challenges. Contact us today by filling out our secure online form or by calling 281.305.1846 if you have any questions about our memory care vs. dementia care programs. Our memory care facility and dementia care programs are designed to help our residents find the personalized support they need. We are excited to hear from you soon.