What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?
Making decisions about care for someone you love is never just a practical choice, it’s also an emotional one. When daily routines begin to change or safety becomes a concern, families often find themselves asking not just what kind of care is needed, but where their loved one will feel most comfortable, respected, and at home. Understanding the difference between assisted living and memory care can bring clarity during an uncertain season and help you move forward with confidence. This resource is designed to gently walk you through those differences, so you can choose the level of support that best honors your loved one’s needs today, ultimately supporting their well-being in the days ahead.
The primary difference between assisted living and memory care is the level and type of support a resident needs.
- Assisted living is designed for individuals who are largely independent but need help with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Memory care is designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive challenges who need specialized support, structured routines, and a secure environment.
Both options provide care, community, and peace of mind, but they serve different needs. Below is a clear breakdown to help you determine which option may be the best fit.
Assisted Living: Support with Independence
Assisted living is best for individuals who can still live independently but benefit from help with ADLs. Residents in assisted living are typically able to make their own decisions, move freely throughout the home, and enjoy flexible daily routines, while receiving occasional physical assistance as needed rather than constant supervision.
At St. Ives, assisted living residents receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Walking and moving safely
Our trained team members are available 24 hours a day to provide support and reassurance, while residents maintain autonomy and choice. Life in assisted living moves at a comfortable, unhurried pace—whether that means coffee in the Keeping Room, conversations on the back porch, or participating in group activities with neighbors.
Summary: Assisted living supports independence while providing help where needed.
Memory Care: Specialized Support for Cognitive Change
Memory care is designed for individuals whose cognitive challenges impact their safety, judgment, or ability to navigate daily life independently.
Residents in memory care typically:
- Require consistent routines
- Benefit from structured daily schedules
- Need specialized dementia-informed support
- Require a more secure environment for safety and comfort
At St. Ives Hometown Living of Johns Creek, memory care is provided in a calm, familiar, and right-sized setting. Residents receive personalized care from team members trained to support those living with dementia. Daily routines remain consistent to help reduce confusion and anxiety, while activities are designed to encourage engagement and connection in ways that feel familiar and reassuring.
Summary: Memory care provides specialized support, structure, and safety for those living with cognitive impairment.
The Difference at a Glance
Assisted Living
- Residents are more independent
- Assistance is provided with daily activities as needed
- Schedules are flexible
- Residents move freely throughout the community
Memory Care
- Residents receive dementia-informed, specialized care
- Daily routines are structured and consistent
- Activities are designed to support engagement and familiarity
- Safety and security are emphasized within a home-like setting
How Hometown Living Fits into Both
While assisted living and memory care serve different needs, both are grounded in the same hometown living philosophy at St. Ives.
What you can expect and depend on:
- Familiar faces
- A close-knit, right-sized community
- Comfortable shared spaces
- Relationships built on trust, dignity, and respect
Whether a resident needs light assistance or specialized cognitive support, they are cared for in a home that feels personal, not institutional.
Choosing the Right Level of Care
Choosing between assisted living and memory care is not about finding a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about understanding what will help your loved one feel safe, supported, and truly at home. The right choice is shaped by the level of care needed today and the environment that will offer comfort and peace of mind as needs evolve. At St. Ives Hometown Living of Johns Creek, our team is here to walk alongside you, listen carefully, and help you navigate this decision with clarity, patience, and heart. When you’re ready, we invite you to contact us and learn more about how assisted living or memory care at St. Ives can support your loved one’s next chapter.
