At Bayshire San Dimas, we understand how challenging it can be for a family to care for a loved one with memory issues. Whether they are beginning to show the early signs of memory loss or having trouble finding their way around, the key to ensuring they get the proper care and support is finding the right care setting for them. While you can choose memory care with skilled nursing, it’s recommended that you first learn about both care models before selecting one. Here’s a blog that provides a detailed overview of each care setting, along with key points that highlight their distinct characteristics.
Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing is a specialized care setting designed for individuals requiring constant professional care due to a medical condition, surgery, or an injury. It might be a senior dealing with a chronic illness like a respiratory issue or Parkinson’s, requiring him to seek special medical equipment, or a senior recovering from surgery or a serious injury.
Focus
Skilled nursing, as provided by licensed personnel such as nurses and therapists, aims to manage, treat, and monitor a patient’s condition through 24/7, comprehensive medical care. It works well for all kinds of complex health conditions and rehabilitation after a hospital stay.
Environment
You’ll find a highly medical and rehabilitative environment in skilled nursing that promotes faster recovery in patients recuperating after an injury, illness, or surgery. It’s like a temporary residence designed to help patients regain independence, allowing them to return home.
Activities
As a measure to support togetherness for everyone, skilled nursing hosts a variety of social and creative activities like bingo, movie nights, holiday parties, and birthday celebrations. They also provide provisions for arts and crafts-based activities and holistic wellness-boosting activities, such as pet therapy.
Security
Skilled nursing settings employ a range of security measures to ensure the safety of residents. From a well-trained staff available around the clock for emergencies, to physical and electronic security measures such as key cards, surveillance cameras, and monitoring and alarm systems, everything ensures the individual stays safe from both external threats and internal hazards.
Cost
In general, it costs more than memory care. The national median cost is around $9,277 per month for a semi-private room. However, the exact costs vary depending on factors such as location, level of care, and room type.
Memory Care
It’s a specialized type of senior living made for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Here, seniors reside in a specially designed environment to ensure their safety and security. With 24/7 staff available for supervision and assistance with daily tasks, seniors have complete control over their lives.
Focus
As a specialized care setting, it predominantly focuses on providing residents with a safe, supportive, and structured environment who are dealing with memory impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia. The compassionate staff provides residents with assistance with daily tasks and manages their cognitive and emotional needs.
Environment
A memory care community provides a safe, structured, and secure environment for all its residents. The community encourages residents to personalize their spaces to make them feel more familiar. Using contrasting colors and clear, large signage, they facilitate residents’ safe navigation of the community spaces.
Activities
A senior finds a range of activities taking place in memory care communities. From those supporting mental stimulation, cognitive function, and emotional well-being to those encouraging social engagement, everything takes place in these communities. Memory enhancement, art and music therapy, and brain-strengthening exercises are among the most commonly conducted activities.
Security
From secure entrances and exits with alarms, well-lit and managed spaces, personalized care plans, and medication management, you will find several security features in operation at a memory care community. Many modern memory care communities offer the option of tracking bracelets, which further enhance the safety of residents.
Cost
Compared to skilled nursing, memory care is less expensive, with a national median cost of approximately $6,450 per month. Just like skilled nursing, the cost of memory care varies based on factors such as location, the level of care required, and available amenities.
How To Choose Which One’s Right?
Despite being aware of the differences between the two care options, choosing one may be tricky for the family. This is due to the numerous commonalities that exist between them. However, by taking a closer look at your loved one’s needs, you can make an informed decision on which option is more suitable for them. Here are two key factors to consider, looking at which you would be able to make a rational decision as to which option to choose.
- Skilled Nursing: Skilled nursing is a specialized setting that provides comprehensive medical care and therapy for individuals who require it. Those facing complex health conditions that can’t be managed in a less intensive setting require skilled nursing.
- Memory Care: This option’s best suited for individuals dealing with memory issues, such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Accordingly, it will suit those whose primary needs are related to dementia, including a secure environment and cognitive support programs.
Bayshire San Dimas—Where Compassionate Care Meets Professional Expertise
At Bayshire San Dimas, we understand how overwhelming it can be for a family to find the proper care option for a loved one who requires professional support. It’s almost as if one feels uncertain about what each care type offers for their loved one. The above information highlights the key distinctions between the two care options, explaining how they differ from each other. Knowing these, you will be able to choose the one that best suits your loved one’s current and probable future healthcare needs and personal preferences.
Families seeking a trusted and skilled nursing or memory care community for their loved one can choose Bayshire San Dimas. In our community, your loved one will receive exceptional care in a warm and supportive environment. As a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), we’ll help your loved one experience aging in place. With the availability of high-end amenities, including a beauty/barber shop, on-site rehabilitation professionals, and a mobile physician, as well as podiatry and dental services, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your loved one is in safe hand. Contact us today to learn more about our offered services and care plans.
