[Video Blog] Memory Care Facilities vs Board & Care Homes

Sarah OrdoverAug 6th, 2024

Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing a large spectrum of memory impairment and cognitive disease. And when navigating senior care for your loved ones, it adds another care consideration to an already complicated process. 

Assisted Living Locators Southern California owners - Sarah Ordover of Los Angeles, and Jennifer Weintraub of the South Bay area sit down at Inglewood-based memory care community Avenir for a candid conversation on dementia, memory care communities and board and care homes - what's the difference and what makes a good candidate.

Watch the Video:

Dementia is a Spectrum

Did you know? Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of cognitive and memory impairment diseases. And, the care needs of your loved one can vary just as widely.

Those in the early to mid-stage of the disease can often enjoy a relatively normal community life with additional prompting and oversight. They can participate and benefit from facility activities and socialization, which can even delay the progress of the disease. Early to mid-stage memory care loved ones are typically still active - and need a community staff and facility that is secure and safe for exit-seeking residents.

Those in the late stages of dementia often have heightened care needs - they may need assistance performing everyday tasks like bathing, feeding and getting around. They may no longer benefit or be able to take advantage of socialization and community activities, and require more advanced 1:1 care.

Memory Care Facilities vs Board & Care Homes

Memory care communities are a great fit for those who are more active, and offer secure facilities for exit-seeking residents. We usually recommend these communities for those in the early to mid-stages of dementia. 

Why? Memory Care Communities:

• Offer a full schedule of activities ranging from exercise classes to art classes to cooking classes, as well as socialization opportunities for residents to stay active and sharp
• Offer amenities that can aid cognitive strength like gyms, outings, movie theaters and outdoor space
• Are secure communities for exit-seeking residents 

Board & care homes are six-bed homes for residents that no longer benefit from community activities. We usually recommend these communities for those in the later stages of dementia. 

Why? Board & Care Homes:

• Offer advanced care for those that need helps with most activities of daily life
• Have a higher resident-to-caregiver ratio for faster response and closer supervision
• Activities are offered on a more personal, one on one basis 

This video just scratches the surface of all you could face while finding the right solution for your loved one. If you're interested in learning more about assisted living options near you contact us today:

For Los Angeles Metro, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Burbank contact Sarah at 310-853-8282 or saraho@assistedlivinglocators.com.

For Torrance, Gardena, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Lomita, Hawthorne, Inglewood contact Jennifer at 310-975-3168 or jweintraub@assistedlivinglocators.com.

Next up, check out our blog series on 'under the radar' memory care communities in the LA area. First we'll feature Avenir!

About Assisted Living Locators

Since 2003, thousands of families have been helped by Assisted Living Locators, one of the nation’s leading free senior living placement services. The Los Angeles office is operated by Sarah Ordover, owner of Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles. Contact the Los Angeles office today at assistedlivinglocatorsla.com.