If you’ve been exploring supportive living options for your loved one, you may have discovered that some of these options seem similar at first — making your decision all the more challenging.
At Marquette, we’re often asked about the differences between our community’s assisted living and memory care — including the level of support each provides and the distinct needs they cater to. This overview will give you the clarity you’re looking for, so you can more confidently decide which living arrangement may be right for your loved one.
While both assisted living and memory care offer valuable benefits that enhance a resident’s quality of life, comfort and well-being, there are four key areas where you’ll see notable differences:
1. Support
Assisted Living
As the name suggests, assisted living is the perfect choice for those who want to continue enjoying the life they love, but just need a little assistance with their everyday routine.
These are called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and they typically include bathing, getting dressed, grooming, and managing medication, among other tasks. Our assisted living residents have personalized care plans that help them with all of this, and these plans can easily change as their needs change.
More than anything else, our ultimate goal at Marquette is to help our assisted living residents live as freely and independently as possible — while receiving just the right amount of support they need.
Memory Care
Our comprehensive memory care at the Marquette Health Center also provides professional assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing, but it takes this further by providing specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory-related conditions.
Receiving more extensive care than our assisted living residents, our memory care residents have a personalized care plan that ensures their specific medical, physical and emotional needs are met. We also offer a very low staff-to-resident ratio to give them the individualized attention they deserve in a warm and compassionate environment.
At the foundation of our approach is our Heartfelt CONNECTIONS – A Memory Care ProgramTM, which is grounded in the belief that the abilities that remain are much more important than those that are lost. Our team uses reminiscence tools to capture the details of residents’ lives — their families, friends, careers, hobbies, likes and dislikes. And then we apply these insights to create an individualized care plan that promotes physical and emotional well-bring, prolongs daily functioning, and helps maintain a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and quality of life.
2. Staff Training
Assisted Living
You can be assured that our caregivers at Marquette are extensively trained on assisting your loved one with daily tasks, as well as knowing when to recruit help if needed — enlisting the services of our on-site licensed nursing staff, for example.
Just as important, they always encourage our assisted living residents to continue managing their own schedules and maintaining their independent lifestyle, while giving them the helping hand they need.
Memory Care
Our Marquette memory care team is specifically trained to handle the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s with compassion and patience — including behavioral changes such as disorientation, anxiety and aggression. They’re also trained in therapies, activities and reminiscence tools designed to help our memory care residents keep their cognitive skills for as long as possible. Just one example is a memory box located at each resident’s front door, preserving the vivid details that bring meaning and order to their lives.
3. Safety Measures
Assisted Living
While our assisted living residents benefit from safety features such as emergency call systems, secure entrances and daily staff check-ins, they have more independence than our memory care residents. Residents live comfortably in private one-bedroom apartments that make them feel right at home, and they enjoy open access to beautiful outdoor spaces and common areas where they can relax, socialize and enjoy their surroundings.
Memory Care
Marquette memory care residents live in well-designed private suites at Reflections at the Pavilion, where they get the care they need through an array of personal and residential services that keep them comfortable and secure. We also take extra precautions to help keep your loved one safe, with added security features like alarmed doors and controlled access to prevent wandering, a secure garden courtyard, and around-the-clock supervision by team members trained to respond to the unique needs of those with memory challenges.
4. Scheduled Activities
Assisted Living
Our assisted living residents enjoy an array of activities, events and amenities that lead to a vibrant social life and fulfilling retirement lifestyle — including fitness classes, educational workshops, gardening, movie nights, card games, Bingo, and much more. It’s everything they need to stay active and engaged and make every day more rewarding.
Memory Care
Our dementia-specific programs and small-group activities are designed to help our memory care residents enhance focus while maintaining a sense of routine. We also offer therapies that are tailored to promote relaxation and stimulate memory and cognitive function — including music therapy, art therapy, aromatherapy, and pet therapy for companionship.
Choosing between assisted living and memory care ultimately depends on the specific needs of your loved one. If they’re fairly independent but just need a little help with daily tasks, assisted living could be the perfect choice. Or if they require more attention and supervision because of progressive Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms, memory care would be a more suitable environment.
At Marquette, we’re here to help you make the most informed decision about which option is best for your family. And we’d love for you to learn more about our exceptional community in Indianapolis, where you’ll find both assisted living and memory care in addition to our other care offerings. Get in touch with our team today to schedule a private visit!