Author: Theresa Van Baalen
Reviewed By: Brindusa Vanta
No, memory care is not considered skilled nursing. Seniors in the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may reach a point where they require constant monitoring and care that only trained professionals such as nurses and doctors can provide. If this happens, a facility offering skilled nursing services may be a better option than memory care.
Memory care is a type of residential long-term care for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory impairments. Memory care is provided by professionals trained to deal with the unique needs of seniors who have memory problems and may include assistance with the activities of daily living, provision of meals, housekeeping, transportation services and specialized therapy programs to help improve residents’ quality of life. Memory care can be found in stand-alone memory care facilities or in memory care units within assisted living communities.
Skilled nursing facilities — or nursing homes — provide round-the-clock supervision and care for individuals with complex medical needs who can’t be cared for at home or in other senior care facilities. This may include people with chronic or progressive health conditions and those who are recovering from injuries or surgery.
Professionally trained staff provide medical care in addition to personal care and assistance with activities of daily living. Some skilled nursing facilities have special memory care units for residents who require both medical care and memory care.
