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Seniors living with a form of cognitive impairment or decline may eventually need assistance with living that their families cannot provide.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be emotionally and physically overwhelming for families. In such cases, a memory care community can be a vital solution to ensure the safety, well-being, and quality of life for those living with cognitive decline.
Memory care communities provide intensive specialized care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but how do you determine when it’s time for this type of care? In this article, we will explore the signs that indicate it may be time to consider memory care for a loved one.
When is it time for memory care? Watch for these signs
Difficulties With personal care
When someone begins to struggle with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating, it may be time to enlist the help of memory care.
Even the most well-meaning families can have trouble providing adequate care for a loved one with memory loss. Family commitments, careers, and daily responsibilities can make it hard to provide the care your loved one needs and deserves.
Memory care communities have trained and compassionate staff who are there to support and assist with daily personal care.
Behavioral and personality changes
People with cognitive diseases may experience drastic personality and behavioral changes. The following behavioral and personality changes may occur:
- Agitation, aggression, or violence
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Disorientation
- An inability to express oneself verbally
Memory care communities have specialized programs and trained staff that address behavioral changes and provide a supportive environment.
Download our Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing to learn more.
Safety concerns
If your loved one is forgetting to turn off appliances or lock their door, or is wandering and getting lost, they are at risk of serious personal injury.
Memory care communities feature safety measures such as 24/7 staff, secure doors, keypad entrances for staff and visitors, enclosed courtyards, and video monitoring systems.
Medication mishaps
Managing medications can become increasingly difficult for individuals with memory challenges. Missing doses, taking the wrong pills, and doubling doses can have serious consequences.
Memory care communities have medication management systems that ensure residents receive the correct medication at the right time.
A decline in physical health
Memory care disorders can impact not only mental health but physical health too. If a loved one is losing weight from not eating, neglecting their personal hygiene, or having trouble managing medical conditions, it may be time for memory care. These communities offer nutritious meals, physical health monitoring, onsite care staff, and health and wellness programs.
Caregiver burnout
Caregiving is extremely challenging, especially for a loved one. It’s common for family caregivers to become physically and emotionally exhausted. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial, and physical difficulties.
If you have become overwhelmed, stressed, depressed, and unable to provide the level of care needed to keep your loved one healthy and safe, it’s time to consider memory care as an option.
Wrap-up
Recognizing when it’s time for memory care for a loved one can be emotionally challenging but it can also offer a family relief from the stress of caregiving. Making this decision involves a realistic understanding and consideration of various physical, emotional, and cognitive factors.
Memory care communities are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of people with memory disorders, providing supportive environments that enhance their quality of life and provide peace of mind to families.
Questions about memory care? Connect with a friendly advisor at Allegro Senior Living for help.
Download our Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing to learn more about the potential sources of funds to help you pay for senior living expenses. Contact the friendly advisors of Allegro Senior Living for more information about senior living and to schedule your tour.
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