Assisted Living and Memory Care With No One-Size-Fits-All Model
Heartis Buckhead offers both assisted living and memory care services at our senior living community. While you can start out in assisted living with early-stage dementia, you can always transition smoothly to memory care once the disease progresses.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 42% of Americans over the age of 55 will eventually develop dementia. This means that the number of new dementia cases per year will double by 2060.
It's already tough enough to figure out how your later years will play out. And now, it can be even more stressful knowing you'll have to consider cognitive care in Atlanta, GA too.
Luckily, there are senior living communities that have both assisted living and memory care, such as Heartis Buckhead.
What Is the Difference Between Memory Care and Assisted Living Care?
Both assisted living and memory care offer support for older adults to make their daily lives easier while helping them retain as much independence as possible.
Assisted living only provides help with daily activities, such as medication reminders, dressing, and bathing. Residents are independent for the most part.
But memory care caters specifically to those who have Alzheimer's, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. There are enhanced safety features, as these residents are more prone to confusion and wandering.
Staff members here receive specialized training to handle behavioral changes and communication challenges found in memory care residents. Also, the activities in this living option focus on cognitive stimulation and emotional comfort.
Should Dementia Patients Be in Assisted Living?
Yes, dementia patients often benefit from being in assisted living, especially in the early to middle stages of the disease. They'll receive professional support with daily tasks and medication reminders, and they'll get to participate in social activities while maintaining their own living spaces.
As dementia progresses, it's wise for residents to transfer to memory care for more specialized attention.
The Living Options at Heartis Buckhead
If you're after dual-service communities in Atlanta, GA, then you've got it with Heartis Buckhead. Here, you can experience aging with flexibility, as we have both assisted living and memory care, both of which are pet-friendly!
These living options are personalized to fit your unique needs, so our community will truly feel like home.
Assisted Living
We have a total of 8 different floor plans for our assisted living residents. They range from cozy suites to roomy 2-bedroom apartments. To make things easier, our staff members will take care of your living space with weekly housekeeping and linen services.
Things that our staff members can help with include:
- Meals
- Medication reminders
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
But we understand that each older adult is different, so we'll work with you to figure out what services to provide, and when.
Memory Care
In memory care, there are four studio floor plans to choose from. They're all spacious and bright, which can help with your mood. You'll have weekly housekeeping and linen services here too.
More importantly, you'll receive personalized memory support from our highly trained and compassionate staff. They take a person-centered care approach, which means that they focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. These staff members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We understand that dementia can be a challenge to deal with, which is why there are the following therapies here:
- Music
- Art
- Pet
These can all assist with decreasing agitation.
In daily life, you'll always get to pick and choose what you want to do. And these activities can be done in either one-on-one or group settings.
Amenities and Services
No matter which living option you choose, you'll have full access to our amenities. They include:
- Barbershop and salon
- Art studio
- Library and reading room
- Theater
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool and spa
- Sun decks
- Game room
- Grill and juice bar
- Tower lounge
- Uptown bistro
- Skyview lounge
Also, for your safety, we have a 24/7 emergency call system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When Should a Dementia Patient Go Into Assisted Living?
A dementia patient should consider moving into assisted living when daily tasks (such as bathing and dressing) become challenging or unsafe to perform independently. Other warning signs are:
- Frequent confusion
- Wandering
- Increased agitation
- Caregiver burnout
When they're in assisted living, dementia patients will be under the care of trained staff, plus they'll have structured Alzheimer's routines and safety measures. So moving in earlier rather than later is best.
What Is the Best Living Situation for Someone With Dementia?
The best living situation for someone with dementia will depend on their stage of decline and level of independence.
In the early stages, the best situation may be to stay at home, since there are fewer changes and stress. At this point, the senior should still be able to remain how with the proper supervision and safety adaptations.
However, as the symptoms progress, they'll need a more structured environment, which makes a memory care community ideal.
How Long Does It Take for a Dementia Patient to Adjust to Assisted Living?
Adjustment periods for each individual will vary, but usually, dementia patients will need 1-3 months to adapt to assisted living. Because there are changes in routine and surroundings, it's normal for them to experience:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Resistance
This is why support is crucial. Not only should the staff be supportive in the transition, but family members should visit often if possible.
We Have Assisted Living and Memory Care Under One Roof
As you get older, you'll have to think about what senior living options are available to you. Here in Atlanta, GA, at Heartis Buckhead, we have both assisted living and memory care available under one roof.
This means that you can start off with assisted living, which already has excellent services and amenities. Should you develop dementia or other cognitive impairments, it'll be an easy transition to memory care, where you'll receive compassionate and effective care from our highly-trained staff members.
To schedule a tour of our senior living community in Atlanta, GA, get in touch with us now. The residents at Heartis Buckhead enjoy restaurant-style 5-star dining every day, so they get good taste and excellent nutrition simultaneously.