Have you been searching for a trusted, reliable senior care facility? If so, you’ve probably heard about skilled nursing programs and memory care services. While the offerings from these providers often overlap, there are some key differences to consider.
In this post, we’ll discuss the difference between memory care and skilled nursing services, which may help you determine the best care for your needs.
What is Skilled Nursing?
When it comes to caring for the elderly, you can’t simply put together a team of medical specialists. Instead, it often takes a more specialized approach. As all healthcare needs are different, seniors usually find more success when skilled nurses are in charge of their care.
While nurses can provide solutions for basic care needs, there are instances where a specialized approach is the right move. This is where skilled nursing comes into play.
Skilled nursing involves care by trained, licensed, and experienced medical professionals. These experts are always licensed nurses or physical therapists. Not only do these professionals provide basic medical care like administering medication, but they can also offer more advanced medical services. While these services can vary, skilled nursing may involve physical therapy or wound care. When skilled nursing care is needed, it’s usually medically required or ordered by a doctor.
When to Choose Skilled Nursing
Deciding when to choose a skilled nursing program is never an easy decision. While a caregiver may provide care on a daily basis, more advanced care may be needed. Additionally, you also should think about finances. After all, skilled nursing is usually far more expensive than basic care services. To make the best decision for your health, it’s best to speak with your doctor. They can look over your medical history, learn where you currently stand, and offer their professional opinion. Additionally, there are certain situations where skilled nursing care may be the right choice. Here are some health conditions or scenarios that may require a skilled nursing professional:
- Rehabilitation from a severe injury
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Terminal illness care
- Stroke recovery
- General wound care
As these health situations can be problematic, not receiving the proper care you need can make things much worse. If you’re struggling with any of the situations above, speak with your doctor and ask if skilled nursing is right for you.
Benefits of Skilled Nursing
While there are several benefits of skilled nursing programs, the leading advantage is that it results in better care for the patient. If you’re able to get the quality you need in a care setting, that can create a happier, more fulfilling life.
Another key benefit of skilled nursing is that it can offer help throughout many aspects of your health. These professionals can build you an exercise calendar, help you eat healthier, and even sometimes help with mental health concerns.
What is Memory Care?
While skilled nursing can cover a wide range of health situations, memory care is more focused on improving memory and enhancing cognitive ability. In fact, memory care can be a specific offering within a skilled nursing program. This form of care is typically offered at assisted living communities, and these programs are aimed at helping those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
While day-to-day life can be challenging for those suffering from these conditions, a memory care center provides a helping hand. Not only do memory care professionals help seniors move through everyday life, but they also offer support when they need it most.
Another essential quality of memory care centers involves how they’re designed. For example, as dementia and Alzheimer patients tend to wander, these facilities are equipped with alarmed doors, elevators with codes, and contained outdoor spaces to keep patients on property. These measures are in place for the safety of these patients.
When to Choose Memory Care
Choosing if you need a memory care center can be difficult. But if dementia or Alzheimer’s directly impacts your quality of life, joining a program may be in your best interest. However, we recommend first speaking with your doctor. They can track your progress, review your health concerns, and offer you their professional opinion.
Benefits of Memory Care
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health complications, a memory care center may provide some advantages. For one, studies show that these facilities do help patients with memory and cognitive improvement. Furthermore, these programs can also lead to living a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. If memory care services are working, you can start living life with more passion. When you have more clarity and less confusion, your happiness and sense of well-being can drastically improve.
