Nursing Home vs. Memory Care: What’s the Difference?

Nursing homes and memory care facilities are both residential care facilities that provide assistance to individuals who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, there are some key differences between the two types of facilities.

1. Level of care

Nursing homes typically provide a higher level of care than memory care facilities. This includes skilled nursing care, such as wound care, medication management, and IV therapy. Nursing homes also offer a wider range of services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Memory care facilities, on the other hand, are designed specifically for individuals with memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. They typically provide a lower level of care than nursing homes, focusing on assistance with ADLs and memory care activities.

2. Staffing

Nursing homes are staffed with nurses and other healthcare professionals who are trained to provide skilled nursing care. Memory care facilities, on the other hand, are often staffed by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who are trained to provide assistance with ADLs and memory care activities.

3. Security

Nursing homes and memory care facilities both have security measures in place to keep residents safe. However, the security measures at memory care facilities are often more stringent, as individuals with memory loss may be more prone to wandering.

4. Cost

Nursing homes are typically more expensive than memory care facilities. This is because nursing homes provide a higher level of care and require more specialized staff.

5. Regulations

Nursing homes and memory care facilities are both regulated by government agencies. However, the regulations for nursing homes are typically more stringent, as they are responsible for providing a higher level of care.