Is It Time for More Support?
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. Are you starting to wonder if they need more care than you can provide? Where do you start when considering senior living options?
Many families assume that people with dementia need a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. However, these settings are typically for individuals with complex medical needs.
If your loved one has dementia but does not require 24-hour medical supervision, a memory care community may be the better option.
At Blue Haven Memory Care, we provide specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. With just 16 residents per community, we offer a personalized and home-like environment in Dallas, OR, and Independence, OR.
Now let’s go over the differences between memory care and skilled nursing facilities. This information will help you make the best decision for your loved one.
Memory Care vs. Skilled Nursing: What’s the Difference?
Families often wonder, is a memory care facility a nursing home? The short answer is no. Memory care and skilled nursing facilities serve different needs.
What Is Memory Care?
A memory care community is a specialized setting designed for people with dementia. It provides personalized care and a structured routine in a secure environment.
Memory Care Services Include:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Structured programs and activities to support cognitive function
- Medication management to ensure residents take the right medications at the right time
- A secure, home-like environment with trained staff available 24/7
- Social and recreational opportunities to maintain engagement and quality of life
Memory care communities focus on maintaining independence and well-being while providing the specialized attention dementia requires.
What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides short-term medical care for individuals recovering from surgery, injury, or illness. These facilities offer rehabilitation services and 24/7 medical supervision to help patients regain strength before transitioning back home or to another care setting.
Are nursing homes SNFs?
Not exactly. While some nursing homes offer skilled nursing services, they primarily provide long-term care for individuals who can no longer live independently.
Nursing Homes vs. Skilled Nursing Facilities
A nursing home is designed for seniors who need constant medical care and assistance with daily activities. These facilities provide long-term care for individuals who can no longer experience independence due to chronic conditions, mobility issues, or cognitive decline.
Skilled Nursing Facilities Offer:
- Short-term rehabilitation for those recovering from surgery, stroke, or illness
- Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
- Medical care, including wound care and IV therapy
- A focus on regaining strength and returning home
Nursing Homes Offer:
- 24/7 medical supervision and personal care
- Long-term housing for those who need full-time assistance
- Help with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing
- Social and recreational programs
If your loved one requires short-term skilled nursing care, an SNF may be the right choice. A nursing home is the better option if they need permanent medical care.
However, if your primary concern is dementia or memory loss, a community like Blue Haven Memory Care offers specialized service in a home-like environment.
Is Memory Care Considered Skilled Nursing?
Memory care is not considered skilled nursing. While both provide long-term care, they serve different needs.
Memory care is best for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia who need support with daily activities. Skilled nursing is for those who need medical attention beyond what assisted living or memory care can provide.
| Feature | Memory Care | Skilled Nursing Facility |
| Focus | Dementia care and cognitive support | Medical care and rehabilitation |
| Team Training | Specialized training in dementia care | Registered nurses and medical staff |
| Environment | Home-like setting with secure spaces | Hospital-like environment |
| Services | ADL assistance, structured activities, social engagement | Medical treatment, wound care, rehab services |
Who Needs Skilled Nursing?
Your loved one may need a skilled nursing facility if they:
- Have a serious medical condition that requires constant monitoring
- Need rehabilitation services after surgery, injury, or illness
- Require wound care or IV therapy
- Have difficulty swallowing and need specialized nutrition support
These are conditions that memory care communities do not typically manage.
Who Needs Memory Care?
Memory care is designed for people with dementia who:
- Struggle with memory loss but do not need complex medical care
- Need help with daily tasks, such as dressing and eating
- Experience wandering, confusion, or behavioral changes
- Would benefit from structured routines and social interaction
If your loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline but does not require nursing home care, memory care is likely the right choice. One benefit many don’t consider is the support given for family members.
How Blue Haven Memory Care Supports Families in Oregon
Choosing the proper care for your loved one is a deeply personal decision.
Our memory care communities in Independence and Dallas, OR are designed to feel like home. We provide a personalized, supportive environment where individuals receive the attention they deserve.
Our Approach to Memory Care:
- Specialized training for staff members to provide compassionate and effective care
- Secure, home-like environments to ensure comfort and reduce anxiety
- Daily activities designed to promote engagement and cognitive function
- Medication management and assistance with ADLs
- Family involvement to keep loved ones connected
We enhance quality of life in addition to providing medical treatment, with nursing in memory care possible thanks to visiting home health partners.
Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One
When considering nursing homes vs skilled nursing facilities, it is important to understand the type of care your loved one truly needs. If they require ongoing medical attention, a skilled nursing facility may be the right choice. Alzheimer’s and dementia care is likely the best option if they need memory support, daily assistance, and a structured environment.
At Blue Haven Memory Care, we provide compassionate, specialized care for individuals with dementia near Salem, OR. Our small, personalized communities create a sense of belonging and security for residents.
Use Us As A Resource to Compare Memory Care vs. Nursing Homes Near You
If you are unsure which care option is best, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our memory care services and schedule a tour of one of our communities.
