Today, we'll be breaking down these two senior care options to provide some clear answers to this question. And we'll help you determine whether memory care or long-term care in Troy is best for your loved one.
Understanding Long-Term Care & Memory Care In Troy, IL
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70% of adults older than 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. If your loved one is past that age mark, then it's all the more important to have a clear understanding of these senior living situations.
What Is Long-Term Care?
To put it simply, long-term care (LTC) is a service designed for seniors who need support for everyday life. When seniors are no longer able to live independently, long-term care communities can help support them through many kinds of medical and personal services.
The main goal of long-term care is to help with ADLs, or activities of daily living. These activities include things like bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and moving around. LTC also involves community services, such as meals and transportation services.
LTC services can be given in a facility like a nursing home or a long-term care community. However, home-based long-term care services are available as well (NIH).
Who Needs Long-Term Care Services?
Not every senior will require LTC services. In most cases, long-term care is best suited for seniors with serious, ongoing health conditions or disabilities.
A need for LTC can arise suddenly following a heart attack or a stroke. However, it is more common that a need for LTC will develop gradually as your loved one gets older or as their illness/disability worsens.
What Is Memory Care?
While memory care is similar to long-term care, these two senior living options are very different.
Memory care is essentially a specialized type of long-term care that is designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. As the name implies, memory care communities aim to support people suffering from cognitive declines or memory loss.
Memory care communities will offer assistance with ADLs (just like LTC communities), but these facilities will provide more targeted care for their residents. This is because individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia have very specific care needs and may require different levels of care.
What Does A Memory Care Community Provide?
The caregivers at a memory care facility are trained to understand and support the unique needs of their residents with memory loss. In these communities, residents can receive the support they need to prevent and manage their dementia behaviors and symptoms.
These communities accomplish this goal by leveraging:
- Person-centered care
- Supportive amenities (e.g., beauty salons, outdoor spaces, open family/game rooms, etc.)
- Safety features (e.g., monitored exits, handicap-accessible features, low staff-to-resident ratio, etc.)
- Planned activities and memory-enhancing therapies (e.g., field trips, group art classes, music/pet therapy, etc.)
Which Is Best For Your Loved One?
It comes down to the current condition of your loved one.
Does your loved one suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's disease? Are they experiencing a cognitive decline? If so, memory care is the right option for them.
However, if your loved one is not experiencing a cognitive decline, but still needs assistance with ADLs, then it may be time for long-term care services. Just remember that LTC can take place at home or in a senior care facility.
As always, be sure to consult with your loved one's physician before making your final decision.
We should note that some communities for long-term care in Troy, IL may offer memory care services or have memory care units on-site. However, their quality of care may not be on par with other memory support communities.
Learn More About Our Approach To Memory Care In Troy, IL
If you're overwhelmed by the memory care responsibilities of your loved one, it may be time for a senior living community. And there's no better place to turn than the Aspen Creek of Troy.
We founded The Creeks to create a safe and nurturing home environment for seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Every part of our communities is specifically tailored for our dementia patients and we always maintain a 1:5 staff-to-resident ratio 24/7/365.
Contact The Creeks today to book your tour of our communities and see our approach to memory care in Troy, IL first-hand.