Memory Care &
Transitional Assisted Living in
Charleston, SC

Standalone memory care communities offer greater security for your loved one, without feeling confining or restrictive. People with dementia enjoy walking and visiting with neighbors, but the confusion they may experience can result in wandering into harm’s way. Memory care communities are designed with contrasting colors, accent walls, and circular corridors, as well as outdoor fenced gardens with pathways that lead to doors. All of these features help a resident with dementia navigate their way around the community. The design of standalone memory care communities creates a pathway so that walking becomes purposeful and fulfilling.

Both nursing homes and memory care facilities offer assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, oral care, and medication assistance. But only memory care communities are specifically designed around the needs of people living with dementia. Memory care communities are fully staffed with professionals who are committed to caring for people with these specific challenges.

The professionals at memory care communities have vast experience with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory challenges. Staff members at memory care communities understand that all of your loved one’s behaviors are in response to a perceived situation. These expert team members become detectives in order to get to the root of those responsive behaviors and resolve the response through a holistic approach. In contrast, some nursing homes may offer less dementia-focused training than dedicated memory care communities. Families should compare staff training and approaches to behavioral changes.

A memory care community will not only provide assistance with the activities of daily living, but will also provide customized programming and care specific to your loved one’s needs.

It’s very challenging to compare in-home care to a memory care facility for several reasons.

When calculating the cost of in-home care, it’s important to include:
• Mortgage or rent payments
• Lost wages for caregivers providing assistance
• Groceries and other dining costs (keeping in mind that you may be able to benefit from one meal a day from meals on wheels)
• In-house doctor’s visits (for those who choose this option)
• The cost of utilities
• Entertainment and therapies
• Medications

When you choose a memory care community instead, all of these components are included in one monthly rate, so no calculations are necessary. You know what to expect (and peace of mind is priceless). If interested in learning more about the cost of memory care at Ashley Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, please contact us today.

Both nursing homes and memory care communities typically provide residents with three nutritious meals each day. However, dedicated memory care communities specifically design their dining programs around the needs of residents experiencing memory challenges. Memory care communities use brightly colored plates, which studies have shown to stimulate appetite and increase food recognition. Additionally, standalone memory care communities will often incorporate food that is known to be “brain healthy” in their dining experience. If your loved one would benefit from the professional, 24/7 care of a memory care community, contact our friendly team today to find a community near you.