Long term care vs. Alzheimer's care homes

Compare and contrast these two options


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In the Comfort Life Spotlight


Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. It destroys brain cells and symptoms can include confusion, anger, mood swings, language breakdown and long-term memory loss. Most homes that offer long term care also offer Alzheimer's care. However, there is a great difference in the care that will be administered to the elderly patient requiring each of these types of care.

Long-term care for Alzheimer's Disease

Long-term care is for seniors who are unable to take care of themselves independently whereas Alzheimer’s care centers are for seniors who need help with their debilitating condition. Alzheimer’s care centers may also take care of patients with other memory diseases. It is preferable to place seniors who need memory care in special care centers rather than in long-term care units or nursing homes for seniors who are not having memory-related disorders.

Let's take a closer look.

Long term care homes provide assistance and support for seniors who cannot look after their personal needs by themselves. This would include individuals with a prolonged physical or chronic illness, disability or cognitive disorder. Long-term care centers also offer help with everyday activities (Activities of Daily Living). This type of care differs from traditional medical care as it is designed to assist a person to maintain his or her level of functioning, as opposed to care or services that are designed to rehabilitate or correct certain medical problems.

Long-term care is suited for people who require 24-hour nursing, medical aid and supervision within a secure setting. In general, long-term care homes for seniors offer higher levels of personal care and support. Long-term care may be expensive and it may be a big challenge for seniors to move from the comfort of their own homes to care homes.

More about care homes for Alzheimer's Disease

Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease involves specialized skills that differ from other types of senior care services. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory impairment often require living environments that are secure so as to ensure their safety. Residences will have special provisions in place to deal with the effects of Sundown Syndrome and other symptoms during later stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

Staff who look after patients with Alzheimer’s in memory care units are specially trained to encourage interaction, conversation, physical activities and cognitive activities.

Assisted Living is a popular choice as for those in the early stages of Alzheimer's. This provides personal care, assistance and supportive services such as housekeeping and transportation for seniors. Skilled Care or 24-hour nursing is provided by licensed nurses when other options are no longer feasible. Hospice care is an alternative to nursing home care that is often required for those in the late stages of this disease. Alzheimer’s care and memory care centers emphasize dignity and comfort and provide necessary care, medication and therapy.

IN-DEPTH REPORTS
Copmmunities with memory care and long-term care

Amica Dundas  

50 Hatt Street, Dundas, Ontario, L9H 0A1

This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

880 Lawrence Ave E, North York, Ontario, M3C1P6

At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 2J7

A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

265 Queens Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M6L 3C6

At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care

Sagecare 147 Elder Street  

147 Elder Street, North York, Ontario, M3H5G9

Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.

Lifestyle Options: Memory Care

One Kenton Place  

1 Kenton Drive, North York, Ontario, M2R 2H6

We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect.

Lifestyle Options: Memory Care

The Briton House  

720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2N7

Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standard service for 50 years. Offering a full continuum of care, rich amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Amica Unionville  

34 Main Street, Unionville, Ontario, L3R 4Z8

Located on the charming Main Street of historic Unionville, Amica Unionville blends heritage-village ambiance with upscale senior living, providing a backdrop for connection, activity, peace of mind, and relaxation.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Dunfield Retirement Residence  

77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2H3

The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles  

2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario, M1J 0A2

McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

River Ridge Seniors Village  

#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8V1

A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living  

867 KLO Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9G5

Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Parkland Ajax  

3 Rossland Road West, Ajax, Ontario, L1Z 0V1

Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Village of Winston Park  

695 Block Line Road, Kitchener, Ontario, N2E 3K1

This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Amica Stoney Creek  

135 King St. E, Stoney Creek, Ontario, L8G 0B2

Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Amica Pickering  

1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 0G2

Amica Pickering offers contemporary senior living in a vibrant lakeside community. Thoughtfully designed and welcoming, it supports your pace of life while offering the assurance of care when you need it.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village at University Gates  

250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 0E2

Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living  

528 25 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, V2S 0L5

Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Premium Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Amica Taunton  

85 Taunton Road East, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0S4

AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living  

3920 198th Street, Langley, British Columbia, V3A1E1

We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.

Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care

Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living  

552 Holland St W, Bradford, Ontario, L3Z 4H3

Located in the heart of Bradford, Holland Gardens offers a luxurious resort lifestyle where you can age gracefully with Independent Living, Independent Supportive Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Amica Little Lake  

70 Lakeside Terrace, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 0J2

Set on the shores of Little Lake in Barrie, Amica Little Lake offers beautiful views, a vibrant community, and a comfortable place to call home, with independent, assisted and memory care, dining, programs, and support.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Riverside Glen  

60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 8M8

This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Village of Erin Meadows  

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 7M4

We feature a unique full continuum of care with a vibrant Main Street offering Independent Living, Retirement Apartments, Assisted & Memory Care suites . Our retirement community represents a diverse ethnic population.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living  

458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp, Ontario, K0A 1L0

One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Glendale Crossing  

3030 Singleton Avenue, London, Ontario, N6L 0B6

A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Village of Arbour Trails  

32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 0C9

Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Wentworth Heights  

1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton, Ontario, L9B 2W3

The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

OPAL Vancouver  

438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Y 05M

OPAL Vancouver offers luxurious senior living with 30,000+ sq. ft. of amenities and a full continuum of care, creating a vibrant, connected community designed for comfort, wellness, and aging in place.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Long-term care

Berwick House  

4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8N 3E6

Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care

The Village of Humber Heights  

2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9P 3W3

The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

New Horizons Tower  

1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6H 4E6

A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, the Terrace Garden, daily fitness, vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Magnolia Gardens  

5840 Glover Rd, Langley, British Columbia, V3A 9K3

An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

The Village of Tansley Woods  

4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7W 4W8

At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Delmanor Elgin Mills  

80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 0L3

Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living  

4950 Pasqua Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2

At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Parkland on Eglinton West  

4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 0E3

Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Prince of Peace  

300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County, Alberta, T1X 1G2

Enjoy prairie and mountain views at Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Alberta’s ideal senior living with personalized care from Independent Living to Memory Care in a safe, comfortable setting.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living  

2 Green Belt Drive, North York, Ontario, M3C 1L8

A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Berwick Royal Oak  

4680 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, British Columbia, V8Z 0B4

Luxurious, Resort-Style Retirement Living where you can age in place; You’re Home at Last at Berwick Royal Oak on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, BC.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care

Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living  

7051 Moffat Road, Richmond, British Columbia, V6Y 3W2

Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care

Parkland Ancaster  

558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton, Ontario, L9G 4W9

At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Taunton Mills  

3790 Brock Street North, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0H2

The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Agassiz Seniors Community  

MacKay Cres, Agassiz, British Columbia, V0M 1A3

Agassiz Seniors Community offers peaceful living in the Cheam Mountains. With a close-knit community and serene surroundings, this residence prioritizes personal connections and a relaxed lifestyle.

Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Long-term care

The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living  

280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, Ontario, L5H 0A5

The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Vineyards Residence  

726 Valley Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 0E9

The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here

Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

IN-DEPTH REPORTS
Home care companies

In-Home Assisted Living Inc.  

2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 3A1

In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers & nurses to seniors & others with medical challenges to remain in their home with safety & comfort. Services across the entire GTA. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.

Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care

Nurse For Care  

2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto, Ontario, M1K 2P5

We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities.

Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care








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