Is There an Option Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

If your loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you’re already thinking about how to best support them now and in the future. This is a good time to research dementia care options and begin planning next steps before symptoms progress and they may need 24/7 care and supervision.

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

In many cases, families aren’t sure whether to choose Assisted Living or Memory Care for someone with mild dementia symptoms.

Assisted Living is ideal for someone who is mostly independent and just needs a little extra help in their daily routine, such as medication management or help with activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and grooming.

Memory Care provides specialized care in a secure setting for residents who need 24/7 supervision and additional support as symptoms of dementia increase.

But what if your loved one’s needs are somewhere in between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

The Bridge offered at The Élite Collection communities is designed for older adults experiencing early to moderate stages of dementia, when memory loss and other symptoms aren’t advanced enough to require specialized dementia care. The Bridge is a blend of Assisted Living and Memory Care, where residents are encouraged to maintain independence while having access to as-needed care and innovative programming to support their health and well-being.

Benefits of The Bridge Program

Learn about the benefits of choosing The Bridge, a level of care that provides a bridge between Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Personalized Care

The Bridge provides just the right level of help so residents can get the extra help they need while maintaining independence. Care can be customized to fit your loved one’s changing abilities. The program is focused on maintaining a sense of dignity, purpose and respect, while also acknowledging each person’s abilities and celebrating their uniqueness.

Safety

As your loved one’s dementia symptoms increase, it’s essential to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their changing needs. The Bridge provides additional layers of security and extra assistance by a dedicated care team.

An Enriching Lifestyle

In addition to the safety and security of 24/7 access to care, residents enjoy the refined luxury and resort-like experience of The Élite Collection communities. Each resident has a personal residence with spacious floor plans and refined finishes, plus convenient access to exceptional dining venues and life-enriching amenities.

Social Connections

The Bridge provides opportunities for residents to participate in small group activities with others experiencing similar stages of memory loss, which helps build social connections and reduce isolation. Residents often find it comforting to spend time among peers who have similar levels of ability, where everyone feels welcomed, valued and respected as individuals. With a dedicated Program Coordinator for The Bridge, these positive relationships and social opportunities flourish at The Élite Collection communities.

Smooth Transitions

Change can be stressful for someone with dementia, especially a major change such as moving from their home to a new living environment. Moving to a supportive living setting sooner than later gives your loved one time to get comfortable in a new place while they can still understand what’s happening around them and build relationships with caregivers and neighbors in their new home. The Bridge helps your loved one cope with the challenges and changes ahead, while also easing the potential transition to Memory Care in the future.

Find the Right Level of Care

Need some help deciding when to move from Assisted Living to Memory Care? We can help you navigate the next steps. The Élite Collection communities offer multiple levels of care designed for smooth transitions. We encourage you to learn more about The Bridge, where your loved one can thrive in a supportive environment that provides a unique transition between Assisted Living and Memory Care.