Have you noticed that your aging parent is becoming increasingly forgetful, to the point that it’s causing anxiety for one or both of you?
Has a loved one recently received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia?
Are you caring for an older relative with dementia who’s living alone, with you or with someone who isn’t able to provide the level of care that’s needed to keep everyone safe?
In any of these situations, you might be wondering how to know when memory care is needed. After all, it’s a big decision that will affect you, your loved one and other people you care about.
The best time to initiate a conversation about memory care is while your family member can still participate in the discussion. If that is no longer possible, then involve other close relatives in the decision-making process if you can, as well as any medical professionals who can weigh in on your loved one’s progress in the dementia journey.
We refer to it as a journey because dementia is a progressive disease, and no two people take the same path along the way.
When Does Someone Need Memory Care?
As you have probably surmised, the appropriate time to transition a loved one into memory care depends on a variety of factors.
Safety is the foremost consideration. If your loved one’s current living situation places anyone at risk for physical, mental or emotional harm, then clearly the sooner you can get them into memory care the better.
But there are other indications that typically are far more subtle. In fact, the onset of dementia may not be accompanied by any symptoms at all, and the earliest tell-tale signs may be dismissed as part of the usual aging process.
While it’s normal to experience some decline in our cognitive abilities as we get older, it’s important to note that dementia is not a normal part of the aging process.
Note that if your loved one is in assisted living, the staff there is trained to watch for indications that signal when to move from assisted living to memory care. They can help you determine if such a move is warranted and advise you on timing.
Additional Signs It’s Time to Move to Memory Care
These are some of the most common indicators of when to move to memory care, but it’s not an exhaustive list.
It may be time if your loved one:
- Is neglecting their hygiene and self-care.
- Has unintentionally lost a significant amount of weight (which could be the result of forgotten meals) or looks considerably frailer.
- Is forgetting to pay bills or is unable to manage their finances.
- Can no longer engage in a relevant conversation.
- Has stopped leaving home because their behavior is unpredictable.
- Is becoming agitated or aggressive more easily or more often.
- Isn’t caring for their pet properly.
- Has bruises or other injuries they can’t explain or don’t remember getting.
- Has gotten lost while on a routine outing or become disoriented while in familiar surroundings.
- Has withdrawn from favorite social activities or pastimes (there could be other reasons, such as hearing or vision loss).
- Develops personality changes, such as paranoia.
- Has trouble recognizing familiar people.
Another sign that it’s time to consider memory care — and one that is too often overlooked — is that you or someone else who is providing care feels overwhelmed or burned out from the added responsibilities of keeping your loved one safe and as healthy as possible.
If you are neglecting your health, your family or your work responsibilities, moving your family member into memory care can provide much-needed relief and prevent feelings of resentment.
Seeking Help Doesn’t Mean You Have Failed
Sometimes even thinking about moving a loved one into memory care can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy. The truth is, virtually all untrained caregivers reach a point when they simply are unable to provide the level of care their loved one requires.
It doesn’t mean you care about your loved one any less, nor does it imply any shortcomings on your part. Dementia is a chronic, progressive disease that leads to physical deterioration of the brain, much like coronary artery disease leads to heart failure. You wouldn’t attempt to provide care without proper professional assistance in that instance, right?
If it helps to set you at ease, know that most older adults with dementia who transition from their home into memory care adapt quickly and experience an improvement in their quality of life.
Benefits of Memory Care for Your Loved One
Memory care staff members understand the unique needs of people with dementia, particularly those in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In many states, including here in California, they are required to complete specialized dementia training so they are prepared to respond to various situations calmly and with compassion.
Memory care centers generally have low staff-to-resident ratios, which means residents can receive plenty of personalized attention — and this can help them build strong, trusting relationships with their care providers. Staff members are available to assist residents around the clock.
As important as a dedicated, specially trained staff is, there are other distinctive aspects of memory care that contribute to residents’ well-being. Stand-alone memory care centers and those situated within assisted living communities usually feature:
- Interior and exterior design elements that help residents stay secure, relaxed and oriented.
- Enhanced safety precautions that make it possible for residents to move freely within their surroundings.
- Individualized care plans and services, along with care coordination with residents’ medical teams and medication management.
- Programs and activities — such as art and exercise classes, games and musical activities — developed specifically for people with dementia and other types of cognitive impairment.
- Some activities also function as therapy to stimulate memories and encourage relaxation.
In addition, memory care residents tend to benefit from being around other older adults, often developing a sense of camaraderie, whether the other residents are in memory care or assisted living. Sometimes simply observing their peers having a good time is enough to motivate them to participate in activities.
The Top 3 Signs Your Loved One With Dementia Needs Nursing Home Care
As your family member continues along the dementia journey, their physical symptoms could eventually become more than the memory care staff is equipped to manage. At this point, they will recommend transitioning your loved one to a nursing home.
There are others, but these are the three main situations that could necessitate such a move:
- Your loved one becomes unable to breathe or eat on their own and requires the assistance of medical equipment
- Your loved one develops a debilitating chronic health condition that requires continuous medical supervision
- Your loved one can no longer move from room to room on their own, even with the use of an assistive device such as a walker or wheelchair
Future Trends in Dementia
A recent study of cognitive impairment suggests that one in 10 seniors (age 65 and older) in the U.S. has dementia. Although the prevalence of dementia is declining, according to research by RAND, the number of older adults with dementia is increasing.
Two of the main reasons for this increase are: the senior population is growing as more baby boomers reach retirement age, and advances in medicine are helping people live longer.
As the number of older adults with dementia continues to increase, so will the demand — and options — for memory care.
Memory Care at The Seville
Our community focuses on preserving the dignity of those who are living with dementia, offering them a lifestyle of ease and grace.
Here, you’ll find an exceptionally qualified staff, an abundance of programs and activities rooted in research, and a soothing, pristine living environment that boasts some of the largest apartments you’re likely to find in a supportive senior community.
If you are interested in learning more about our memory care programs and services, call us at 949.236.6135 or connect with us here, and we’ll get in touch with you.