At My Living Choice, we understand that it’s normal for families to feel overwhelmed while finding the proper care option for a loved one. The confusion grows when families have to choose between memory care and long-term care. Without clear knowledge of both care options, families often struggle to decide between the two. While both caring models provide essential support, it’s necessary to understand the difference between the two as they serve different purposes. Besides their purpose, their cost and benefits also differ. Here, we’re sharing the differences between a memory care Allentown and a long-term care setting. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right option for your loved one.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specific form of long-term dementia care tailored to the unique needs of people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other conditions that impair memory. These environments offer security and take into account the particular needs of individuals with cognitive deficits.

Services Provided In Memory Care

• 24/7 supervision by trained staff.
• Assistance with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Safety measures such as locked doors and wandering alarms.
• Medication management.

Costs Of Memory Care

The cost of a memory care community varies depending on factors such as the community's location and the amenities and service offered. For the average person, memory care would cost around $5,000 to $7,500. Possible ways to cover this cost include personal savings, long-term care insurance, and veterans' benefits.

Benefits Of Memory Care

Memory care communities provide specialized support to minimize distress and confusion. The trained staff members offer compassionate and individualized care for individuals with memory diseases from onset to end.

What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care is a broad term encompassing a variety of medical and non-medical services provided to individuals who are unable to care for themselves for extended periods. These services are focused on providing individualized and tailored care that promotes independence and improves the patient’s quality of life.

Services Provided In Long-Term Care

• Assistance with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Medical and therapeutic services, including skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
• Home & community support services.
• Housekeeping and laundry.
• Creating opportunities for social & recreational activities.

Costs Of Long-Term Care

Just like memory care, the average prices for long-term care vary significantly by service and the location of the care facility. Going with an adult day care would cost around $26,000 annually, whereas $100,000 would be spent annually for a private nursing home service. In 2024, the national median cost for home health aide services was approximately $77,792, whereas for assisted living, it was around $ 70,800, and over $111,000 for a semi-private nursing home room.

Benefits Of Long Term Care

Caregivers provide both medical and non-medical care to help patients maintain a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. You choose where you want to receive professional assistance—whether at home or at a professional care setting.

Key Differences Between Memory Care And Long-Term Care

A key step toward making the right decision is understanding the main differences between the two types of care. Here’s a brief about them:

Focus

Memory care aims to limit the dementia-associated challenging behaviors and promote a sense of dignity in residents. Long-term care offers specialized support to individuals who require assistance with daily living tasks or are managing chronic health conditions.

Environment

Memory care offers a distinctive design with easy-to-navigate layouts and advanced security features to prevent wandering, as well as additional amenities to provide comfort and safety. On the other hand, long-term care does not necessarily have a specialized environment.

Staff

In memory care, you receive specialized, trained caregivers who are knowledgeable in providing the proper care and addressing the emotional needs of residents with memory loss. In long-term care, you have the opportunity to interact with a variety of medical professionals, including nurses and physiotherapists.

Activities

In memory care communities, activities are organized to engage individuals’ different areas of the brain and meet their cognitive needs. In long-term care, there are fewer activities, as the focus is mainly on keeping residents occupied and social.

Safety

Safety features in memory care communities include locked entrances, secure doors, and keypad entries. In contrast, long-term care facilities typically rely on their caregiving staff to ensure the safety and security of patients.

My Living Choice—Find The Right Care For Your Loved One

At My Living Choice, we believe that the key to securing a good aging experience for a loved one is to choose the proper care option for them. While both memory care in Allentown and general long-term care options carry substantial benefits, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the two to make a better decision for your loved one. The above information clearly outlines the differences between the two care models, distinguishing their costs, services, and the benefits they provide.

For those seeking a reliable care facility for their loved one, we can help you find the right one at My Living Choice. At our senior living directory, you will find numerous options for memory care Allentown and other professional caring services, too. Based on your loved one’s specific needs and preferences, you can find a supportive and caring option.