What is Memory Care vs Skilled Nursing?
When a loved one begins to experience challenges that go beyond what traditional senior living communities can offer, families often find themselves facing a critical question: What is memory care vs skilled nursing? Though both options offer higher levels of support than general assisted living, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between memory care and skilled nursing is essential for ensuring your elderly loved one receives the compassionate, personalized care they need and deserve.
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, Wisconsin, we often speak with families who are navigating this decision for the first time. This blog post was created to offer clarity, insight, and reassurance as you explore what makes each type of care unique.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. Unlike general senior living communities, memory care communities provide a secure environment that reduces confusion and helps residents maintain a sense of purpose and dignity.
At Lakewood, our memory care program is centered around personalized, person-centered care that honors each resident's life history, preferences, and routines. This includes daily engagement through social activities, sensory stimulation, spiritual support, and physical wellness programs such as our weekly fitness classes, gardening, and sensory spa experiences. Residents benefit from trained professionals who understand the complexities of memory loss and who provide constant, compassionate care in a calm and nurturing environment.
What is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing care refers to a high level of medical care provided by licensed professionals such as registered nurses, physical therapists, and other health professionals.
Skilled nursing services may be provided on a short-term basis following a hospital stay—for instance, to support recovery through rehabilitative services—or on a long-term basis for individuals living with chronic or progressive medical conditions. These services are typically delivered in skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes and may include wound care, catheter management, IV therapy, and close monitoring by licensed medical professionals.
Unlike memory care, which is focused on cognitive health and emotional well-being, skilled nursing is more medically intensive and often includes 24/7 medical oversight. A physician's prescription is usually required to receive skilled nursing services, and this level of care is regulated by both federal and state regulations to ensure compliance and safety.
The Difference Between Memory Care and Skilled Nursing
The core difference between memory care and skilled nursing lies in the type of support offered, the training of staff, and the overall environment and daily lifestyle each setting provides. As outlined above, memory care focuses on individuals with cognitive impairments such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, offering personalized support in a secure and structured environment. Skilled nursing, on the other hand, is geared toward individuals who have serious health issues requiring medical care and rehabilitation.
Services and Support
Memory care facilities offer specialized support for dementia patients, including medication management, assistance with daily living tasks, behavioral therapies, and engaging cognitive-enhancing activities designed to stimulate memory and promote emotional well-being. The goal is to create a soothing environment that enhances residents' quality of life.
Skilled nursing facilities are equipped to provide advanced medical care for individuals recovering from surgery, illness, or managing serious health conditions. This level of care often includes rehabilitative services such as physical therapy, pain management, and continuous monitoring by licensed professionals. Skilled nursing also provides support for complex medical needs, including catheter care, wound treatment, IV therapy, and the management of chronic conditions that require clinical oversight.
Staff Training and Expertise
At Lakewood, our memory care staff undergo training to support residents with memory loss. This includes understanding how to manage behavioral changes, communicate effectively, and provide daily care tasks in a respectful and supportive manner.
In skilled nursing settings, medical professionals such as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and therapists lead the care. Their training emphasizes acute care, chronic disease management, and rehabilitative techniques.
Environment and Lifestyle
Memory care communities like Lakewood are specifically designed to provide a secure environment with features such as alarmed exit doors and carefully designed spaces to reduce confusion and promote as much independence as possible.
Skilled nursing facilities are typically designed with a focus on medical oversight and clinical support. While some may offer home-like touches, these environments often prioritize access to medical equipment, emergency response capabilities, and care coordination. Accommodations may include private or semi-private rooms, depending on the facility and the level of care required.
Who is Memory Care Best For?
Memory care is most appropriate for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of progressive memory loss who may not yet require intensive medical care but do need assistance with daily living and consistent supervision. These older adults may experience confusion, agitation, or difficulty navigating everyday tasks, and benefit from a structured, familiar routine with personalized support.
Families often choose memory care when it becomes unsafe or unmanageable for their loved one to live independently or even within a general assisted living facility. At Lakewood, our approach to memory care is holistic, incorporating sensory therapies, brain-healthy nutrition based on the MIND diet, and social engagement to nurture joy and connection.
Who is Skilled Nursing Care Best For?
Skilled nursing care is ideal for older adults who have significant health issues or who are recovering from surgeries, strokes, or serious infections. These individuals require round-the-clock care from licensed professionals, as well as access to rehabilitation services.
It is also appropriate for individuals who require complex wound care, catheter management, frequent medical assessments, or ongoing therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
While skilled nursing homes and memory care communities both serve aging adults, their focus and capabilities differ significantly.
Regulations and Cost Considerations
Both memory care and skilled nursing services are subject to federal and state regulations that govern staffing ratios, safety standards, training, and quality of care. However, skilled nursing facilities are more heavily regulated due to the medical nature of their services.
When it comes to cost, skilled nursing home costs can be higher due to the level of medical care provided. Families pay for skilled services that are often billed to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance if criteria are met. Memory care, while generally less medically intensive, is usually not covered by Medicare and is typically paid out-of-pocket, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid (in certain cases).
Personalized, Compassionate Support at Lakewood
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, we understand that choosing between memory care vs nursing care can feel overwhelming. Our community is designed to provide not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. We specialize in person-centered care that respects the dignity and individuality of every resident.
Our memory care units are not institutional; they are warm, inviting, and designed to feel like home. Residents live in semi-private or private rooms, engage in meaningful activities, and receive the daily care they need in a safe and supportive setting. From our holistic Montessori-based programming to our dynamic social and wellness activities, everything at Lakewood is thoughtfully designed to enrich the lives of those with memory loss.
We are not a skilled nursing facility, and we do not provide the medical intensity of a skilled nursing home. However, for those looking for a nurturing environment that provides consistent support for memory-related conditions, Lakewood offers an ideal solution.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Determining the right path between memory care and skilled nursing depends on your family member’s health conditions, cognitive needs, and the level of support they require. While both memory care facilities and skilled nursing services play vital roles in senior care, they serve different populations and offer unique approaches to care and quality of life.
If your loved one is living with memory loss but does not require complex medical care, a memory care residence like Lakewood provides a community that celebrates their life, nurtures cognitive engagement, supports their independence, and prioritizes their well-being.
Schedule a Visit Today
If you’re looking at options for memory care in Brookfield, Wisconsin, we invite you to visit Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living. Let us show you how our all-inclusive, person-centered approach can provide peace of mind for your family and enhance your loved one’s daily life. Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover what makes Lakewood a truly exceptional memory care community.