It can be challenging to decide whether to move your loved one into a senior living facility. It is sad to watch them gradually lose their memory. Even if the process can be unbearable, it’s crucial to understand the warning signs your elderly family member needs extra care. No matter how hard this process is, you are not alone. If you’re considering moving a loved one to a memory care facility, you’ve come to the right place.
What is a Memory Care Facility
24 hour care for dementia patients, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory issues focus on memory enhancement services for elders. A memory care facility’s main objective is to improve the quality of life for people with memory problems.
Specialized memory improvement programs typically offer the same amenities as assisted living communities. The assisted living facility ensures the elderly that programs maintain health and lead active lives. Among the services offered are:
- Medical care
- Transportation and meals
- Personal hygiene
- Exercise and health routines
- 24/7 security and protection
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Community activities and social gatherings
When is Memory Care Necessary
We understand that families are making every effort to give their loved ones sensitive treatment and care. We also know that people with dementia require specific attention from caregivers.
So, how would you know when you’re unable to provide your parent or elderly with the care they need?
Alzheimer’s care communities are created to cater to the special requirements of those with dementia. Along with forgetfulness, other dementia symptoms that put you and your loved ones in danger include delusions, drastic personality changes, confusion, and more. These facilities ensure patients receive the attention and support required to remain healthy and comfortable.
7 Signs Your Loved One Needs Memory Care
Every person’s circumstances are unique, and it can be difficult to decide whether memory care is necessary. Understanding your loved one’s condition is developing, and the potential level of support requires improved care.
Here are the signs that could mean it’s time to transfer to a memory care facility.
Changes in Behavior
The main warning signs to watch for are changes in your loved one’s behavior. An individual with memory problems may be easily agitated or nervous. They might also neglect to perform routine duties or maintain their hygiene.
Unhealthy Living
If your elder family member begins to neglect household duties, you should pay really close attention to them. They forget common home care, including rotting food in the fridge or a pile of trash. It’s also a red flag if they cease paying their monthly bills on time.
Confusion and Disorientation
Patients with dementia are frequently prone to accidents, falls, forgetting to turn off the stove, and other risk situations. With mental instability, your loved one must be in a specialized memory care facility to supervise and regularly manage their health and wellness.
Stressed and Burnout Caregiver
Stress is unavoidable whether a family member or an in-home nurse is providing care to an older adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The first signs that anything is awry when managing a person becomes too much work and exhibits unpredictable behavior.
Incontinence
As memory begins to fade, incontinence becomes a significant problem. It’s a concern if your loved one consistently forgets to use the restroom or put clothes on. It is preferable to place them in a memory care center equipped with knowledge and experience to deal with the problem.
Unsafe at Home
Weight loss, bruising, scrapes, and difficulty standing are all signs of health and mental deterioration. Many people with Alzheimer’s wander away from the house and thus become lost. It’s challenging to ensure their safety.
Loneliness and Depression
Social isolation, exclusion, and loneliness may have a detrimental impact on the health of your loved one. It increases the danger of despair, anxiety, depression, and other dementia-related behavior. Memory care centers provide activities, entertainment, and interesting hobbies to maintain social relationships.
Tips for Helping Patients with Dementia Move to Memory Care
Family members can take on the duties on moving days to relieve the burden on their senior loved ones. Moving to a memory care center is significant because it allows you to prepare your parent for the future and foster relationships with others.
Know what they feel about moving
Try to communicate and know your family member’s perspectives about moving to a memory care services in Florida. It’s also a great time to listen and strengthen your relationship actively. Ask them about their thoughts and feelings and provide light on the reasons behind them.
Encourage your loved ones
If your parent enjoys an art class, singing, or a game of bingo, let them know it’s good to make friends. You can also encourage them to get a new daily routine and some exercise.
Understand your parent’s worries
Your parent might cry or ask why they have to live in memory care. Be supportive and let your loved ones know you understand how difficult this change is for them. Reiterate the long-term advantages while also acknowledging their feelings.
Talk with the staff
When a parent is transferred to memory care, the community’s personnel will play a big role as support. Plan ongoing communication and interaction with the staff and let them know clearly your feelings. Thank your staff for informing you and helping care for your parent.
Give the Love and Care Your Loved One Deserves
We understand the ups and downs that a person with dementia can bring and the toll it may have on the patient and their family member. With the right care, patients with memory problems, including those with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss conditions, may live more fruitful and fulfilling lives. It might be difficult at first, but rest assured that a memory care center can give them the best love, care, and comfort. Their health and safety come first above anything else, and at Senior Living Selections, we are happy to help in any way we can!
