To understand the difference between memory care and dementia, it’s important to distinguish between age-related memory loss and the diagnosis of dementia. 

Some people have increasing challenges with forgetfulness as they grow older. This may be diagnosed as a mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is characterized by more memory impairment or thinking problems than other adults their age. People with MCI may have challenges with things like forgetting plans or appointments, misplacing objects, or temporarily forgetting words or names.

Seniors with MCI are generally able to take care of basic tasks like bathing and eating meals. However, they may need support to be sure they take medications or help with managing their schedule. 

Dementia is a progressive condition that causes loss of cognitive functions like thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning. It also causes behavior and mood changes. Underlying causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. Over time, a person with dementia will lose the ability to care for themselves and require full-time care. 

Memory care and dementia care are highly specialized and individualized types of care for seniors with memory loss issues and are especially valuable for individuals with Alzheimer’s or various forms of dementia. Memory care facilities offer increasing levels of assistance and care options for residents as their needs change over time. The staff at Vivante Memory Care in Newport Mesa and Newport Center are skilled at evaluating residents’ needs and providing them with personalized care.

Memory care is a specialized care program designed to meet the specific safety, cognitive, and quality of life needs of seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Traditional assisted living facilities are residential care programs for people who may have physical limitations that prevent them from living independently, including concerns of safety, access to social events and community, and ease of eating better with prepared meals.. In contrast, memory care facilities provide care for people who have cognitive changes that affect their ability to care for themselves.

In a memory care facility, the staff is trained in the progression of dementia and how to care for people with a dementia diagnosis. The goal of memory care is to allow residents to live as independently as possible, maintain their dignity, and offer them an outstanding quality of life. 

Dementia is a progressive condition that causes increasing cognitive changes. Fortunately, memory care facilities focus on the unique care seniors need to properly manage health, wellness, and quality of life alongside cognitive decline. Each resident has a personalized care plan that staff and family members can update as their needs change over time.

In addition to providing support for activities of daily living, memory care facilities provide evidence-based therapies and activities that provide cognitive stimulation. This can include activities that promote mental engagement, like social activities, supervised outings, games, puzzles, stories, music, and art. 

Memory care plans may also include structured therapies intended to aid the retention of cognitive function, such as:

• Occupational therapy: OT is a program where trained occupational therapists work with seniors to create strategies that support the independent management of daily activities and tasks. Therapists work with individuals to develop strategies and structures that help seniors with dementia engage in meaningful daily life activities.
• Reminiscence therapy: Trained therapists help seniors to recall and share memories and past experiences. The goal of these conversations is to evoke a mood, a feeling, or stimulate social connection. Reminiscence therapy may include activities like looking at personal photos, pet therapy, music therapy, listening to music, and discussing memories in groups or one-on-one with a professional. This also includes the Montessori Method for dementia patients. 

The physical environment of memory care is also tailored to support the needs of individuals with dementia. Memory care facilities are designed with resident safety in mind, with special attention paid to minimizing the risk of injuries. Additional safety measures include:

• Lack of clutter and clear pathways for moving around the facility 
• Good lighting
• Floor plans that are easy to navigate 
• Signage and labels posted throughout the facility
• Handrails, grab bars, and ramps
• Security measures, including locked doors and staffed entrances and exits, are used to prevent wandering

Memory care facilities will follow a structured routine to give residents a sense of order and stability from day to day.  A consistent schedule can reduce confusion and anxiety.  Memory care communities may post visual aids or prompts to remind residents of daily schedules for activities, mealtimes, and other regular activities.  

Staff in memory care facilities administer medications to residents to make sure they are taking any prescription medications needed for health conditions, including medications for dementia. Medication management by staff ensures that residents take medications at the correct time and reduces the risk of medication errors or harmful effects from incorrect dosing. 

Memory care facilities may also offer support to family members. Having a loved one with dementia can be a complicated and emotional situation. Simply knowing that a family member is receiving appropriate care in a safe environment can give peace of mind. In addition, memory care facilities may offer support groups for families and education about dementia and how to best care for a loved one with memory issues. 

Deciding to transition a family member or loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s into a memory care community is an intensely personal and emotional choice for everyone involved. There is no specific formula for deciding when a loved one should enter memory care, but there are common factors to consider when making the decision. 

Safety Concerns

One of the concerns that arises as dementia progresses is safety. Seniors may begin to experience significant confusion and disorientation. They may wander from home or become lost when trying to go to once-familiar places like the grocery store or place of worship. Wandering is a source of significant stress for family members who don’t know where their loved one is. There is also a risk of injury whenever a senior is wandering in an unfamiliar environment or in inclement weather. Memory care facilities prioritize safety with 24-hour staffing, secure building entrances, and supervised outings. 

Isolation and Loneliness

Socialization, conversation, and other human interactions are beneficial for people with dementia. However, memory loss and other cognitive changes associated with dementia can derail a person’s typical activities and social engagements. The lack of social interaction can exacerbate dementia symptoms and lead to depression and loneliness. Memory care facilities offer daily interactions with staff and other residents, as well as structured activities to benefit the cognitive and social needs of seniors with dementia.

Caregiver Fatigue

Dementia is a progressive condition that begins to affect a person’s ability to adequately care for themselves without help. They will eventually need assistance with daily activities like eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. Family members may not be able to provide this level of assistance or home care, particularly if their loved one also has mobility issues. In addition, the strain of providing 24/7 care for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally difficult for family members. The stress and constant responsibility can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Memory care not only provides safe, compassionate care for people with dementia, but it also offers respite and peace of mind for their families.  

Choosing to move a loved one to memory care can be a positive choice for many families. Each family needs to assess their needs and determine what services will benefit their loved one. It’s important to consider practical concerns as well. Understanding costs is important in determining which memory care facility and program will work best for your loved one and family members. The staff at Vivante Memory Care in Newport Mesa and Newport Center can help you decide if memory care is right for your loved one.

Memory care programs get their name from their particular focus on caring for individuals with dementia and related memory problems. Traditional assisted living facilities help seniors with activities of daily living that might be physically challenging as well as providing medical care. Memory care facilities offer additional, specialized services for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

Memory care communities address the cognitive changes associated with dementia by offering a safe, structured environment with a full-time staff to supervise residents. Each resident has a personal care plan designed to help them maintain current cognition, slow the progression of dementia symptoms, and provide the best possible quality of life in a safe, supportive environment.

Staff members in memory care facilities have specialized training in managing care for individuals with dementia.  Dementia care staff bring skill and knowledge as well as compassion to their work. They are trained to help with each resident’s physical needs, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding themselves as needed. 

In addition, memory care facilities offer additional safety measures to minimize the risk of wandering or injuries. This may include staffed entrances, secure doors, alarms, and other safety measures.

Memory care facilities may be facilities dedicated to providing care for seniors with dementia. Other memory care programs are specialized programs within an assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities may offer increasing levels of care for residents who develop dementia after moving into an independent living program.   

While memory care isn’t a cure for dementia, it helps create an environment where seniors with memory loss due to the condition can enjoy a high quality of life with customized cognitive therapies, socialization opportunities, and activities. Vivante Memory Care in Newport Mesa and Newport Center offers personalized care in a safe, comfortable environment.