There are various levels of assisted living available. At their most basic, assisted living communities allow seniors to carry on their lives with minimal assistance. In these communities, an emphasis is placed on freedom and independence. Nursing homes provide a larger amount of care for patients with more serious health conditions. Registered nurses and doctors are on staff to treat medical conditions. Memory care is a type of specialized care that caters to residents with cognitive issues due to dementia and Alzheimer's. Here are some signs that your loved one needs memory care:
1. They have wandered off or gotten lost.
Ordinarily, going for a walk is healthy. Unfortunately, people who suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia may become confused. If they grow confused while outside the house, they may be unable to find their way back home. Confused dementia patients are at risk for exposure-related injuries and illnesses, especially in places with extreme weather. Car accidents are another risk. If your loved one has wandered away from home or gotten lost at least once, a memory care facility can provide the supervision they need.
2. They have left the stove or oven unattended.
Fires are a major hazard for people with dementia. People with dementia often suffer from short-term memory loss. It's not uncommon for a person with this condition to forget what they were doing. This can be very dangerous if your loved one forgets while cooking. Food left unattended on the stove or in the oven can easily create a fire. If your loved one has left the stove or oven unattended, it may be time to consider memory care.
3. They can no longer care for themselves.
Over time, dementia can interfere with your loved one's ability to care for themselves. Doing laundry, mopping the floors, and even bathing require a certain amount of mental acuity. When your loved one can no longer remember to prioritize personal care, they can benefit from assistance. In a memory facility, helpful staff members will keep your loved one's room clean. They can help with personal care tasks, including bathing and toileting. Assistance can help your loved one live a peaceful, healthy life even with advanced dementia.
4. They are frequently agitated.
Dementia is often frightening to the person experiencing it. If your loved one is often fearful and agitated, they may need more help than you can provide. Memory care facilities are designed to provide routines and structure for people with memory issues. When provided by experienced carers in a memory care facility, routines can make your loved one feel safe and calm.
Share15 May 2020
My husband and I recently moved his mother to an assisted living facility. My name is Audrey Martin, and I am going to share our experience with you. My mother-in-law is eighty-two years old. She has been living on her own for twelve years since her husband passed away. My husband, David, is her only child. That left us in charge of making this decision for her since she has declined to the point of not being able to make sound decisions on her own. I’m not going to tell you that it’s been easy, but I will say that it can be done. I hope that what I’m about to share proves to be helpful to you should the time come that you are the one moving a loved one to an assisted living facility. Thanks for stopping by!