When it comes to senior care, the choices are many. For those who are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, their options are often between skilled nursing and memory care in Inman, SC. In a gist, memory care offers specialized long-term care for people with memory-related diseases while skilled nursing provides short-term and long-term medical needs to address a wide variety of health problems.
Understanding the differences between these two is the first step to selecting the best choice for your loved one. So, how are they different?
Skilled Nursing Explained
Skilled nursing is a special part of a hospital that caters to older adults who require medical services. Care plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of each resident. They are led by specialized professionals, including rehabilitation specialists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
Like memory care, skilled nursing also offers non-medical assistance, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, and more.
When is Skilled Nursing Recommended?
Skilled nursing is often recommended for people who need short-term care after surgery or an emergency hospital stay for the purpose of rehabilitation. Hence, it is also called post-acute care. This type of care will especially benefit those with Parkinson’s disease, respiratory disease, or any condition that requires special medical equipment.
Memory Care Explained
Memory care is one form of skilled nursing where specialized care is provided by licensed and experienced professionals. If the goal of skilled nursing is to rehabilitate, the main focus of memory care is to improve the lives of residents with dementia. To meet their needs, memory care communities offers long-term care plan.
Services provided are also designed to stimulate cognitive functions and address individual needs as each resident has unique conditions. Memory care communities are designed to prevent wandering and ensure safety and security while encouraging independence. They have outdoor and indoor amenities for recreation and daily activities. Residents live in their own private suites or rooms where they can enjoy a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Some communities even welcome pets. In addition to medical assistance, meals, social activities, and events, services also include housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.
When is Memory Care Recommended?
There are some cases where dementia or memory decline can be managed at home. But this can get more challenging as the illness progresses. The following are some signs it is time to consider moving to a memory care community.
- Extreme wandering and disorientation to the point of endangering oneself and others
- Physical health decline
- Depression and anxiety
- Caregiver burnout and health problems due to stress
Considering memory care for your loved one? You have to carefully check your options to select the right one. The ideal memory care in Inman, SC has an experienced and expert team. They see to it that everyone feels a sense of belongingness and community. They initiate lots of social activities that help improve social skills, cognitive abilities, and physical wellness. They provide wholesome, home-cooked meals that meet residents’ nutritional needs and allow residents to eat together or in a family-style dining experience.
