Key takeaways: Memory care vs skilled nursing
- Memory care is designed specifically for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and emphasizes cognitive support and supervision.
- Skilled nursing focuses on medical care and rehabilitation for people with complex health needs.
- Memory care usually provides more dementia-focused care, while skilled nursing offers higher levels of clinical care.
- Whether you choose memory care or skilled nursing depends on your loved one’s medical needs, stage of dementia, and any safety concerns.
Table of contents
Memory care vs. skilled nursing: The most important differences
How much does memory care cost?
Exploring memory care at Provision
For adult children who are caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the stakes for choosing the right type of care can feel overwhelming. And as their loved one’s condition progresses, many adult child caregivers will eventually find themselves having to arrange around-the-clock care.
In these circumstances, two of the more common care solutions family caregivers consider include memory care communities and skilled nursing facilities (a nursing home for dementia and other complex medical needs). And while these settings may look similar from the outside, the needs they fulfill and the purpose they serve differ greatly. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between memory care and skilled nursing and how you can help your loved one take the right next step.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a specialized form of senior living designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These are communities built around the unique challenges that come with dementia like memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior as the disease progresses. Memory care typically includes:
- Assistance with daily activities
- Medication reminders or management
- Dementia-focused activities and cognitive therapies
- A structured daily routine
- A secure environment to reduce wandering and safety risks
Team members at memory care communities receive specialized training in dementia care and communication strategies, so they can provide emotional comfort and cognitive engagement as well as physical support.
What is skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour medical and personal care for individuals who are living with serious health conditions or physical limitations. These communities are staffed by licensed nurses who work closely with physicians and therapists. Skilled nursing is typically best for individuals who require:
- Around-the-clock medical monitoring
- Help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy on-site
- Recovery support after surgery or illness
Individuals living with dementia who have complex medical needs may do well in skilled nursing settings. However, dementia is not the primary focus in most of these communities, and they may feel less warm and more clinical.
Memory care vs. skilled nursing: The most important differences
There are key differences between memory care and skilled nursing. Here are just a few:
Type of care
Skilled nursing facilities offer medical treatment and rehabilitation, while memory care focuses on providing dementia support, thoughtful oversight, and daily structure.
Level of personalization
Memory care operates on a model of one-on-one interaction, gentle supervision, and personalized routines, while skilled nursing provides more straightforward medical care.
Resident engagement
Skilled nursing may offer general social activities, but memory care programs are more activity-focused, with environments designed to reduce confusion and team members trained to encourage meaningful engagement through music appreciation, art therapy, and social activities.
Security
Memory care communities prioritize safety and quality of life, offering intuitive layouts within a fully secure environment that supports daily routines, movement, and time outdoors while limiting wandering, while skilled nursing usually allows more freedom of movement within the building.
Aside from a memory community or skilled nursing facility, in-home memory care may also be an option for individuals living with dementia, but only for those in the early or moderate stages. As dementia progresses and safety risks increase, in-home memory care can become unsustainable, requiring a transition to a skilled nursing facility or memory care community.
How much does memory care cost?
While prices vary by region of the country and level of support, memory care generally costs less than skilled nursing and more than assisted living. The cost of skilled nursing tends to be higher due to the clinical services provided. If your family has concerns about cost, be sure to review what is included in a community or facility’s pricing and ask about additional fees for higher levels of care.
Exploring memory care at Provision
What makes memory care at Provision Living so exceptional is our focus on the whole person, not just their diagnosis. Our care teams take the time to understand each resident’s personal history, preferences, and routines. Our communities are designed to be safe and welcoming environments, so residents feel at home. We host meaningful activities that encourage connection and joy, and we provide ongoing support and guidance to families at every stage.
If you’re beginning to wonder whether your loved one is ready for memory care or another advanced form of care, we invite you to speak with one of our community advisors about Provision’s memory care options. You can also download our memory care guide to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the cost of memory care services, and the benefits of memory care communities. If you’d like to visit one of our communities in person, scheduling a tour is a great place to start. We look forward to showing you around!
