How Memory Care Units Differ from Standard Nursing Home Care

1.2 million. That is how many people are living in nursing homes across the country, according to the most recent data. Nursing homes are designed to provide the highest level of long-term care available outside of a traditional hospital. Most nursing home residents have ongoing physical health concerns that prevent them from living independently.

Memory care provides the same around-the-clock supervision for residents who are coping with dementia and cognitive decline challenges. Sometimes, a memory care unit is within a nursing home.

There are also memory care facilities that operate as standalone units within an assisted living community.

It is not uncommon to transition a loved one to a nursing home and then to a memory care unit to meet their needs. Before making the move, it will help to understand how memory care units differ from standard nursing home care and where they might overlap.

Core Differences Between Memory Care and Nursing Homes

A memory care unit and a nursing home are both dedicated to maintaining high-quality standards for their residents. In both types of facilities, residents will have access to dedicated staff and consistent care to support their individual needs.

There are some clear distinctions between the two.

Consider the following:

Primary Focus of Care

A resident who has transitioned to a memory care unit is typically experiencing a slow cognitive decline. This is where the staff can help manage dementia-related behaviors and ensure the resident’s safety. It might focus on purpose-driven routines, sensory therapies, and structured activities.

A nursing home, often referred to as a skilled nursing facility, addresses complex medical needs, including medication management for chronic illnesses, physical and occupational rehabilitation, and wound care. Not every nursing home resident is designated as long-term.

They could be there following surgery. They could also be any age.

Environment

The environment of a memory care unit often provides homelike features in easy-to-navigate circular layouts. One Dutch care facility created a dementia village where residents with dementia can walk freely without fear of getting lost or hurt. There are even shops, restaurants, and salons to serve the “neighbors,” with secured outdoor courtyards and alarmed doors specifically designed to prevent wandering.

By contrast, nursing homes tend to be more clinical and hospital-like. The rooms might feel a bit more institutional.

Staff Training and Medical Support

Both types of facilities provide 24/7 support for their residents. However, the staff is specifically trained to support their respective residents. In memory care, the staff is trained to handle cognitive symptoms like anxiety, aggression, and repetition. They will utilize specialized redirection and communication techniques.

Nursing homes require licensed nurses and doctors to provide on-site care. In addition to typical assistive care, the nursing home staff provides advanced medical care, such as tube feedings, IVs, and postoperative recovery.

Cost

Because memory care requires more structured, specialized care, the costs often run 20-30% higher than standard nursing home care.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Memory Care Placement

The number one concern for any resident in a long-term care facility is safety.

That’s especially true with patients in memory care. Safety issues might also be an early sign that your loved one needs memory care.

How would you answer any of the following questions?

Is your loved one:

• Leaving home unexpectedly?
• Getting lost in familiar neighborhoods?
• Unable to navigate back home?

Does your loved one:

• Frequently forget to turn off the stove?
• Leaves water running?
• Doesn’t lock doors or windows?

Are they:

• Taking the wrong medication dosage?
• Forgetting to take vital daily medications?
• Taking medications at the wrong time of day?

You might also notice a decline in personal hygiene, such as refusing or forgetting to bathe, brush teeth, or change their clothes. Are you noticing weight loss because they forget to eat or have lost interest in food? Are they struggling to manage daily bathroom routines?

You also have to be on the lookout for recurring confusion, such as forgetting the time of day, season, or year. They might also show signs of difficulty recognizing close family members and friends. There could also be instances of forgetting to pay bills or getting confused about ongoing money issues.

Finally, you might notice that your loved one is no longer engaging in activities they once enjoyed, or that they are starting to isolate themselves from loved ones due to confusion.

Preventing Abuse in Memory Care

A resident in a memory care unit needs special attention. Unfortunately, they are also vulnerable to abuse because they might not be able to communicate any instances of neglect. That is why it is vital that you keep a watchful eye for any signs of neglect.

These need to be reported to the nursing home management immediately.

In extreme cases, you might have to arrange for a transfer to protect your loved one. At that point, it will help to get support and guidance from an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. They will be able to step in as the family advocates to facilitate an immediate change in the care provided to your loved one. You should never hesitate to respond when you suspect your loved one is being neglected.

If you have questions about how to support your loved one in a memory care unit, My Nursing Home Abuse Guide has the resources you need to ensure that their legal rights are being protected.