Comparing Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: Key Differences Explained
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With the rising demand for senior living options, families often find themselves making crucial decisions about a family member’s needs and care. Understanding the various options is essential. Two popular choices are assisted living and memory care, and although they are similar, each of them has unique characteristics that cater to the varying needs of older adults
Our experts at FeatherStone at Hickory Hill share the key differences between each of these options and the level of support provided. This information can help families looking for a retirement home in Iowa City, IA, make a more informed decision about care.
Understanding Assisted Living
Assisted living is designed for individuals who need or could benefit from support or assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management and meal preparation but may still maintain some independence.
At FeatherStone, our assisted living philosophy focuses on empowering individuals through independence and inspiring serenity through an intentional design that incorporates nature into the environment. We also foster meaningful connections throughout our social areas, such as the piano bar, billiards room and unique restaurant-style dining venue.
Amenities Available at FeatherStone at Hickory Hill
Our retirement home in Iowa City offers a range of programs, amenities and services designed to enhance the life of each resident by catering to their interests and passions. A few of them include:
- Comfortable settings to enjoy chef-prepared meals, from the outdoor patios to the restaurant-style dining room with expansive windows, a cathedral ceiling, and a piano bar.
- A Wellness Center offers state-of-the-art equipment with a spacious room.
- An Art Studio where large windows flood with natural light.
- A Theater that entertains with a resident-curated mix of classic favorites and the latest Hollywood releases.
- FeatherStone’s beauty salon and separate barbershop with masculine décor ensure all our residents look and feel their best.
- The Garden Lounge provides a serene place to enjoy fresh air and nature.
- Our luxurious guest suite ensures that visitors are as comfortable as the residents they come to see.
Exploring Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory impairment. These communities provide a secure environment with tailored programs and features to ensure safety and well-being.
At FeatherStone at Hickory Hill, we take this one step further with our Navigate Memory Care, which seamlessly blends luxurious features with thoughtful planning and architectural design specifically developed for individuals with memory impairments. Through this program, we cater to each resident’s unique needs and abilities, offering true person-centered care with a holistic approach that focuses on the mind, body and spirit of each individual.
What our Navigate Memory Care Experience Offers
- A true dining experience with a program tailored for residents with dementia, featuring specialized plate ware and silverware.
- Seven to eight enriching activities planned per day, based on each resident’s life history and interests.
- A gourmet menu with bite-size portions that help residents maintain independence.
- The Personal Pantry Program provides space for residents to store favorite snacks, ensuring comfort foods are always within reach.
- Technology with Heart features innovative care options, interactive gaming, and virtual reality to stimulate the brain and encourage physical activity.
- Meaningful Arts uses music, art, and movement to engage creativity and facilitate communication beyond words.
- Fitness for Life offers tailored fitness classes like chair aerobics, tai chi, and qigong.
- FeatherStone University offers different opportunities to learn, from baking classes to acting workshops.
- Life Histories uses individuals’ past occupations, hobbies, and talents to create opportunities for meaningful connections.
Key Differences
While both assisted living and memory care provide essential services for older adults, there are several key differences. Assisted living focuses on promoting independence while providing the necessary support, while memory care offers the same assistance but emphasizes safety, security and specialized attention for memory-related conditions.
In assisted living, team members are trained in general care. However, in memory care, the caregivers receive additional training to manage conditions such as dementia.
While both types of care offer community-styler living, memory care areas are more secure to promote safety and often incorporate specific design elements to minimize confusion and agitation.
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At FeatherStone, residents enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle tailored to their unique story in an amenity-rich community that is contemporary and refined yet comfortable and welcoming.
We encourage you to contact our experts at FeatherStone at Hickory Hill to further understand the differences between assisted living vs. memory care and how our retirement home in Iowa City may be the best choice for someone you love!
