What Is the Difference Between Memory Care and Home Care?

June 15, 2023 / Home Care, Memory Care

When your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s that is advancing and causing difficulties in their daily care, deciding the next steps as far as long-term care options is just one of the many difficult decisions you will have to make. Determining if they should move into a facility or if they can receive care at home will be one of the first factors you may consider. Memory care facilities and home care are two options many families begin to consider for their loved ones with memory deficits, and the Senior Care AZ team is breaking down what these options include, the estimated financial costs, and which might be the right choice for you. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two and if you need assistance finding the best care for you or your loved one, contact us to learn more about our senior placement services in Arizona.

What Is Memory Care?

A memory care facility is a secure residential facility, sometimes located within a wing of a nursing home, that is designed to provide specialized care for individuals with some form of dementia. Residents in memory care facilities will typically live in smaller bedrooms within a larger community that has space for residents to gather, such as open rooms and common areas. Memory care facilities are designed to serve residents at many stages of their memory decline, offering a space where residents can independently live and begin to transition to a higher level of care and supervision as their memory declines. Memory care facilities have systems in place to sooth residents with memory deficits, such as softer closers on doors and very clear signage for residents to reference. In a memory care facility, a skilled team of nurses and employees will help ensure residents’ needs are met and that daily tasks, such as brushing their teeth or eating meals, are not forgotten. They aim to provide a comfortable and safe environment where residents can feel at home while providing specialized memory services to aid in slowing the decline of memory.

Benefits of Memory Care

Memory care facilities are designed specially for individuals with some form of dementia, and staff is trained to handle individuals with memory deficits. Some of the benefits of living in a residential memory care facility include:

Social Interaction

Individuals in a memory care facility will be surrounded by others and be able to interact socially on a daily basis. This is not only an excellent opportunity to build community and enjoy their daily lives, but daily interaction and conversation also help reduce the rapid progression of memory decline.

Soothing Environments

Individuals in a memory care facility will be surrounded by places that are designed to soothe them; clear signage indicating things they may forget will help them feel comforted. They also have safety measures in place, such as trackers, armed or locked doors, and protected outside areas. This will allow residents to feel independent while also providing the level of safety they need.

Person-Centered Care

Memory care facilities are designed to be focused on the individual; the staff is trained to serve the individual and to work with them to determine their unique set of needs. The staff-to-patient ratio at a memory care center is much lower than at a nursing home or other facility, so each staff member has more individualized time to spend with each patient.

What Is Home Care?

Home care is a long-term care option where seniors who need an increased level of care but are not interested in leaving their home or comfortable environment can stay at home and have an aid come into the home regularly, or they can live in the home in many cases. Home care offers companionship to the seniors while also providing specialized care, such as assistance with the tasks of daily life. Home care aids can provide help with bathing, getting dressed, and using the restroom. They also often help with housekeeping and laundry and will often take over tasks such as grocery shopping and taking seniors to their medical appointments. Home care is similar to in-home assisted living, and the level of care can be customized depending on the needs of the individual.

Benefits of Home Care

Home care is not just for individuals with dementia; it can benefit many seniors and be completely customized to the individual. For individuals, the benefits of home care include:

Familiar Surroundings

All individuals will benefit from familiar surroundings, especially those with memory deficits due to types of dementia. Having a senior stay at home and be treated at home will allow them to feel comfortable and at home in their environment and avoid any disruption due to a new environment.

Flexibility

One person will typically provide home care, giving you flexibility over the hours they will work and the services they can offer. Home care aids are often independent contractors, and they can work with you to provide the level of care you desire on a schedule that works best for you and your loved ones.

One-On-One Interaction

A home care aid will spend their time completely one on one with your loved one, giving them a chance to get to know them on a deeper level and understand what they want and need.

Memory Care vs. Home Care: Services Offered

Aside from the fact that one operates in a residential facility and the other operates out of the home, memory care and home care may be different in the services they offer. Services for each may include:

Memory Care Services

Memory care facilities will generally provide 24/7 supervision in a safe and secure facility. They offer specially designed memory care programs, emergency call systems, and increased security. In a memory care facility, individuals will receive help with their activities of daily life and a structured routine designed to help soothe their memory deficits. Memory care facilities often provide support and education for family members with dementia and memory deficits.

Home Care Services

Home care is very customizable but generally offers companionship and help with the activities of daily life as one of its main services. They can provide medication administration and reminders, as well as one on one mental stimulation and social interaction. Home care provides a very high level of individualized care for your loved one.

Cost of Memory Care vs. Home Care

Cost of Memory Care

The national median monthly cost of memory care is around $5,000. This includes the costs for the residential facility, which are all inclusive as far as meals and housekeeping within the facility.

Cost of Home Care

The median cost of home care is just $24 per hour. For individuals needing care for a few hours a week, this is an excellent and affordable option. For seniors who need a higher level of care for more hours, even 24/7, this can cost almost $200,000 per year, depending on needs and location.

Memory Care vs. Home Care: Which Should You Choose?

For individuals who need a more advanced level of care and may not be safe at home without 24/7 care and supervision, memory care facilities can be a great option. For individuals who wish to stay in the comfort of their own home and prefer to have a more focused, one-on-one care style, home care can be a great alternative to residential facilities. Senior Care AZ can work with you to determine what level of care your loved one needs and provide guidance and recommendations when it comes to which option might work best for you and your loved ones.