What Is Memory Care vs. Assisted Living? Understanding the Difference
Want a retirement that offers something extra special? Look no further than Brookfield, WI, for a community-centered, peaceful retirement setting. Located just outside Milwaukee, it's a suburb that combines urban conveniences with a relaxing lifestyle.
When exploring senior care options for you or your loved ones, you'll spot assisted living and memory care packages. But what is memory care vs assisted living?
In this guide, we'll share some insights to help you understand the difference between the two support options, and we'll also explore how Discovery Commons Brookfield delivers exceptional personalized care for all our residents.
What Is Assisted Living, Brookfield, WI?
Assisted living is a popular support option for seniors, offering a balance between independent living and day-to-day support. It means you can get help from care staff for things that might be proving more of a challenge as you age, such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Medication management
Being part of a senior living community means you also get other support, like people who help with housekeeping and general maintenance. It eases the pressure of everyday life and gives you time and freedom to enjoy the fun aspects of retirement, such as meeting up with friends or taking part in a fitness class, without worrying about completing a list of tasks once you return home.
What Is Memory Care, Brookfield, WI?
Memory care is a more specialist form of senior support, and it's specifically designed for those with cognitive issues such as dementia or Alzheimer's. With a memory care community, you or your loved one will enjoy a safe, familiar, and friendly environment with structured routines, supportive, specially trained staff, and therapeutic activities.
At Discovery Commons Brookfield, memory support happens via a personalized care plan that takes into account the unique needs of each individual and reflects the stage of memory loss, from mild loss to more advanced. It is there to reduce confusion, help navigate the day, and enhance the quality of life, all supported by a compassionate team of care staff.
What Is Memory Care vs Assisted Living: Understanding the Difference
It's tempting to look at senior support and assume that assisted living and memory care are interchangeable terms. Still, there are essential differences between dementia care vs. assisted living.
Memory care is specific and specialist care for those with cognitive issues. In contrast, assisted living is designed for seniors needing general support, often to manage physical activities when they may have problems with balance and mobility.
Memory care also includes access to staff who are specially trained in helping those with memory loss and navigating some of the unique issues as the disease progresses, such as confusion, anxiety, or behavioral challenges.
At Discovery Commons Brookfield, we offer both, and all plans are tailored and targeted to give the right type of support. Levels of senior care can be adjusted to ensure residents live a happy and fulfilling life as their needs evolve.
When Is It Time to Consider Assisted Living?
Often, there is no sudden point in time when you decide to move into assisted living. Most decisions tend to be gradual. You might find yourself experiencing some of the following scenarios:
- You find it physically hard to dress or bathe
- You feel isolated living alone
- You struggle with household maintenance
- Household chores like cleaning are becoming too much to handle
The beauty of assisted living at Discovery Commons Brookfield is that assisted living gives you the right amount of support: no more or less. That's one feature seniors love because it means you can feel empowered and still enjoy a free, independent life as much as possible.
Alzheimer's Support in Brookfield: When Is It Time to Consider Memory Care?
Recognizing when you or your loved one needs memory care can be difficult and emotionally fraught.
In the early stages of cognitive decline, it's easy to overlook symptoms and assume they are normal age-related forgetfulness. However, it's essential to get a formal diagnosis. Typical early signs include:
- Frequent confusion
- Becoming lost and unable to recognize surroundings
- Forgetting the names of close friends or relatives
- Wandering
- Personality changes
- Unsafe behaviors like forgetting to take essential medication
If you feel memory loss is a concern or have a formal diagnosis, memory care options are the best route to take. It's tailored support so your loved one will get the help that matches the stage they are currently at with the disease. As memory loss progresses, support can be increased so that your loved one can remain safe, happy, and supported.
Memory Care and Assisted Living: Amenities
At Discovery Commons Brookfield, residents have access to a wide range of on-site amenities, whether they are part of our assisted living or memory care support options. That includes conveniences and activities to make retirement fulfilling and stress-free, such as:
- Chef-prepared meals in our on-site restaurant
- A calendar of social events, like quiz nights
- Fitness classes and other wellness programs
- Hobby groups
Residents can also enjoy our communal areas, such as our lounges, library, and technology center. Memory care residents will get the support they need from staff to enjoy events, including access to therapeutic activities to help with the challenges of cognitive conditions.
Senior Living, Brookfield, WI: A Sought-After Retirement Destination
In Brookfield, WI, residents will have amenities beyond the community, such as the tree-lined streets and peaceful parks of this suburb west of Milwaukee, as well as activities like the nearby Brookfield Hills Golf Course. It's a convenient destination with nearby shopping centers like Brookfield Square Mall and restaurants, cafes, and brasseries.
This quiet, retirement-friendly community will feel like home from the moment you arrive.
Choosing Senior Care: Schedule a Tour today
So, what is memory care vs assisted living? While they both seem similar at first glance, there are important differences. Memory care is what you need if you face progressive cognitive issues. If you just need daily living support, then assisted living is the best choice for you.
Join us at Discovery Commons, Brookfield, by scheduling a tour of our community today. You'll see first-hand our exciting range of amenities like our theatre and bistro, talk to our friendly, caring staff, and take in the beautiful, spacious interiors.