Assisted Living vs. Memory Care vs. Nursing Home: What’s Right for Your Loved One?

When it’s time to explore senior living options, families often feel overwhelmed by terms like assisted living, memory care, and nursing home.

Each type of care serves a different purpose and understanding those differences can make this important decision feel a little less stressful.

At Parkview Assisted Living, we know every person’s story is unique. Our goal is to help families find the right balance of safety, comfort, and independence for their loved one, even as needs change over time.

Assisted Living: Independence with a Helping Hand

Assisted living is ideal for older adults who value their independence but benefit from a bit of extra support each day. Residents at Parkview enjoy private accommodations, home-style meals, and a full calendar of engaging activities, all in a setting that feels like home.

Our staff is available 24/7 to help with things like:

• Medication reminders

• Bathing or dressing assistance

• Meal service and housekeeping

• Companionship and encouragement throughout the day

For many, assisted living is about living life fully and safely, not giving up independence.

I love that I can still do things my way, but help is always nearby if I need it. - Parkview Resident

Memory Care: Understanding Early Memory Changes

Memory care is a specialized setting designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These communities typically offer secure environments, structured schedules, and care teams trained exclusively in dementia support.

While Parkview does not operate a dedicated memory care unit, our team and environment are well equipped to support residents in the early stages of memory loss, such as mild dementia, early Alzheimer’s, or occasional confusion.

Our approach focuses on:

• Gentle reminders and consistent daily routines

• Calm, compassionate communication and redirection

• Familiar surroundings that promote comfort and confidence

• Activities that encourage cognitive engagement and joy (through our partnership with AgeWell)

Our staff receive ongoing dementia-care training and use a person-centered approach to meet residents where they are with patience, respect, and understanding.

For those whose needs progress to include wandering, severe disorientation, or behavioral changes, we work closely with families to ensure a smooth and supportive transition to a dedicated memory care environment when the time is right.

Myth vs. Truth

Myth: Assisted living communities can’t support residents with memory loss.

Truth: Many people in the early stages of dementia thrive in assisted living, especially in smaller, family-style settings like Parkview, where staff know each resident personally and can offer gentle structure and familiarity.

Nursing Homes: Around-the-Clock Medical Care

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, are designed for individuals who require 24-hour medical attention and/or rehabilitation services. These settings are staffed with licensed nurses, therapists, and medical professionals to manage ongoing health conditions or recovery from surgery.

If your loved one’s needs are primarily medical rather than lifestyle-based, a nursing home may be the most appropriate level of care.

Finding the Right Fit

When choosing between assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home, consider:

1. How much daily help your loved one truly needs

2. Whether safety or medical oversight is a concern

3. How social connection impacts their happiness

4. What environment best matches their personality and comfort level

Many families discover that assisted living provides just the right mix of support and independence, especially for those in the early stages of memory changes who simply need reassurance, consistency, and caring oversight.

The Parkview Promise

At Parkview, we believe every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and at home. We take time to learn each resident’s routines, preferences, and stories so we can support them as individuals, not diagnoses.

And as needs evolve, we partner with families and local healthcare providers to make sure every step of the journey is handled with dignity and compassion.

We don't just care for residents, we know them, we celebrate them, and we walk alongside their families every step of the way. - Parkview Team Member

Have questions about what level of care might be right?

Our friendly team is happy to talk through your options, no pressure, just honest guidance from people who care.

We’re Here to Help