Making the decision to put your loved one in a senior living community is difficult. The experience of witnessing them slowly lose their memory is heartbreaking. As devastating as the process is, you’re not alone.
Per the CDC, 1 in 9 adults over 45 experience confusion or memory loss. Thankfully, there is help available.
The incline of memory loss patients has created an emergence of institutions designed to care for those who need it. If you’re contemplating putting your loved one in a memory care facility, you’ve come to the right place.
What is a Memory Care Facility?
Memory care specializes in providing assistance to senior citizens with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory disorders. The primary goal of a memory care facility is to enhance the quality of life for those struggling with remembering.
For the most part, memory facilities provide the same amenities offered by assisted living communities. However, the difference is memory care provides long-term help to individuals with memory loss.
The facility makes sure residents stay healthy and continue to have active lives. Some of the services provided include:
- Access to Medical Care
- Transportation
- Assistance with Hygiene
- Health and Exercise Routines
- 24-hour supervision and Security
- Housekeeping and Laundry Services
- Three Meals Per Day
- Emergency Call Support
- Social Gatherings and Activities
- A Safe Environment
Signs It’s Time for Memory Care
When is it time for memory care? Well, that’s not always an easy decision to make. But there are some indicators that will alert you when your loved one needs memory care. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
Changes in Behavior
The primary indicators to look for are changes in your loved one’s behavior. A person living with a memory disorder might become anxious or irritated. They may also forget to do daily tasks or upkeep their hygiene. Some people with memory problems also become withdrawn and ant-social.
An Unhealthy Living Environment
Pay attention if your loved one starts to abandon chores around the house. If there’s spoiled food in the fridge or lots of trash piled up, that’s a sign that they are forgetting regular home maintenance. Also, if they stop remembering to pay the bills, that’s a clue. When a person can no longer upkeep their living space, it’s time for a memory care facility.
Disorientation and Confusion
Dementia patients often experience confusion or disorientation. A fragile mental state leads to accidents and other unsafe situations. If your loved one is constantly putting their safety at risk, they should be in a memory care facility. Memory loss causes individuals with the condition to forget to do important tasks.
Forgetting how to drive, turn off the stove, or change clothing is just a few examples. Confusion and disorientation are often the first clues that something is wrong. It’ll likely start off subtle but eventually increases. If you notice this type of behavior, don’t ignore it.
The Caregiver is Overwhelmed
Taking care of a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s is challenging. No matter if a family member is the caregiver or it’s an in-home nurse, stress is inevitable. When the burden of overseeing the person gets overwhelming, that’s a sign.
Individuals with dementia sometimes have uncontrollable behavior. If the caregiver expresses their stress in any way, your loved one can feel it and that leads to acting out. The well-being of the caregiver is just as important. When their mental state also becomes affected, your loved one needs memory care.
Incontinence
Incontinence becomes a big issue as memory starts to slip away. It’s unsanitary and a huge task for the caregiver. If your loved one is forgetting to go to the bathroom, that’s a problem. It’s better to put them in a memory care facility that’s trained to handle the issue.
Unsafe at Home
A decline in health can lead to weight loss, bruises, and difficulty standing. Many people with Alzheimer’s often experience falls and broken bones due to imbalance. Furthermore, if your loved one wanders from home that’s a dangerous sign.
If they leave the house and get lost, it’s hard to continue to ensure their safety. However, a memory care facility is structured in a way that keeps them from leaving.
You Feel That It’s Time
Even if you don’t see all of the signs above, your gut will tell you when something’s wrong. You’ll notice when your family member begins to change, and it’s best to take action as soon as possible.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are diseases that require specific care along with special training. Wanting to keep your loved one in a familiar environment is understandable. However, they deserve to be properly cared for.
Give Your Loved One the Care They Deserve
The fact that you’ve read this article shows how much you love your family member. Coping with the effects of Alzheimer’s and Dementia isn’t easy. But rest assured that a memory care facility is the best thing you can give them. Their care and safety take priority over everything. Memory loss is just as scary for them as it is for you. Giving them the proper care is a relief to all parties involved.
If you’re looking for a new place for your loved one to call home, we’re here for you. We have multiple Exceptional Living Centers that specialize in memory care. Our team of professionals will treat your family like their own. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible!