Senior living communities are the fastest-growing housing option for older adults in the United States. There are different types of senior living communities, including independent living, 55+ retirement communities, memory care, and assisted living.
Care communities vary from one another. Many older individuals and their families are drawn to the versatility of care communities. From interior design to the location and services provided, many different types of assisted living facilities are available.
Some communities offer rooms where loved ones or partners can stay long-term or while they visit. Costs also vary widely, and trends suggest that assisted living will become increasingly affordable as California’s population ages.
Assisted Living Communities Are Versatile
Assisted living communities offer a range of services to residents. These services might include everything from assistance with daily tasks (bathing, running errands, getting to medical appointments, cooking, housekeeping, and managing medication) to activities tailored to seniors’ needs, social events, and enrichment programs. The options vary greatly from one community to another. If an individual or their loved ones take a tour of assisted living, it’s important to ask lots of questions to understand what that particular community offers.
Amenities at assisted living communities often include the following:
- Personal care, including dressing and bathing.
- One to three meals daily, either in a common gathering space or a private room.
- Round-the-clock emergency care.
- Monitoring of medication.
- Social and recreational activities.
- Laundry and housekeeping.
- Some medical services, including mobile care services and physician visits are available.
Cost of Assisted Living and Memory Care
Assisted living costs can be a challenge for many families and individuals. Administration and licensing for assisted and independent living communities vary from state to state. Cost ranges can differ significantly between senior living communities and can also vary widely between regions. Be sure to request price sheets when touring assisted living communities.
The Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care
While assisted living is for those who need help managing ADLs (or activities of daily living), memory care is a specific type of support for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Some individuals choose to enter memory care when their cognitive decline is mild and in the early stages, while others wait until they experience moderate or severe impairment of memory.
When diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, some individuals can live independently but may need help with certain daily activities. Not all those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia need memory care. Some prefer to live in a general assisted living community. However, individuals with declining cognitive skills can benefit tremendously from the specialized care provided in memory care. Memory care for those with dementia involves focused assistance on retaining communication skills and improving cognition. Memory care settings will also have specially trained staff to ensure a safe environment for residents who can easily wander.
Compassionate Memory Care in San Diego
At MesaView Senior Assisted Living and at our partner locations: HarborView Senior Assisted Living, BayView Senior Assisted Living, and RanchView Senior Assisted Living, our compassionate, highly competent staff work hard to provide holistic care to each member of our memory care assisted living communities.
San Diego’s Top Memory Care and Senior Care Community
MesaView Senior Assisted Living in La Mesa, California, is one of the top assisted living facilities in the greater San Diego area. We’re known for our experienced caregivers, beautiful grounds, and individualized care. We consider it an honor to walk alongside families as they traverse the challenging and heartbreaking journey of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Contact us to schedule a tour today!
