Magnolia Gardens CEO explains assisted living and memory care differences

Debbie Ogburn, president and CEO of Magnolia Gardens, explained the practical differences between assisted living and memory care and gave advice for families evaluating placement.

Ogburn said assisted living residents typically need help with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, toileting and medication management — but can often communicate needs and move about with supervision. “Assisted living is the next step after independent,” she said, noting residents can keep pets if they can be cared for and can leave the community for visits or trips.

On memory care, Ogburn said the residents often can no longer reliably verbalize pain or needs and may be exit‑seeking or at risk of wandering; memory care units are structured to be their home and preserve dignity. “Number one is their home,” Ogburn told attendees, urging visitors to meet residents at the level they are on and to avoid trying to reorient them to a prior reality.

She discussed practical safety measures such as wander‑guard bracelets, secure doors that lock for resident safety, and outdoor therapeutic spaces. Ogburn also noted that hospice referrals commonly occur when residents decline medically and that families should advocate for appropriate care and ask questions about activity programs and medication reviews.

Her comments were followed by audience questions about visits, transportation, hospice and daily routines; Ogburn encouraged touring facilities and talking with activity staff and bookkeepers about costs and services.

The presentation emphasized person‑centered care and encouraged families to plan ahead rather than making decisions only in crisis.