5 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care
Your elderly father who’s living with Alzheimer’s has always been thoughtful about gathering his mail and paying his bills. Your family checks in on him regularly to see if everything is okay. Yet over time, you may notice unopened mail piling up and bills aren’t getting paid. These are potential signs that someone who’s living with dementia may need memory care.
Memory care is specialized care for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Communities with memory care feature safe and secure environments where specially trained staff can closely monitor the health of the residents. You’ll also find programs, activities, and events that are designed to help memory care residents work on their cognitive abilities, while also getting to enjoy interests and hobbies.
Studies have shown moving those with Alzheimer’s or dementia into memory care communities sooner, rather than later, results in better outcomes for patients – mentally, physically and emotionally.
The following are five signs it’s time to consider moving your loved one into a memory care center.
Changes In Behavior
The key signs to look for are changes in your loved one’s behavior. Older adults with dementia may start acting in dramatically different ways. A person who is known to be fiercely independent may suddenly be apprehensive about driving, decline social invitations and become withdrawn. Someone who is very particular about their appearance may suddenly forget daily hygiene or how to do basic tasks like bathing and grooming.
Subpar Living Environment
Early dementia can sometimes present itself as hoarding. Pay attention if your loved one quits doing chores around the house. If food is spoiled in the fridge or dishes and trash are piled up, that’s a sign that they are forgetting regular home maintenance. Also, if they stop remembering to pay the bills, that’s an indication. When a person can no longer keep up their living space, it’s time for a memory care center. Memory care communities, like Meridian, include housekeeping and linen services, helping your loved one stay clean and well in their apartment home.
Caregiver is Overwhelmed
It can be hard to take care of a loved one with dementia. Caregiver burnout is real and caring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically exhausting. It doesn’t 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 one of the signs it’s time for memory care. Memory care communities are partners in caregiving and can give you rest while still involving you in important decisions for your loved one’s care.
A Decline in Overall Health
If you notice your loved one is losing weight, has unexplained bruises or isn’t taking their medications, those are all indicators it’s time for memory care. Older adults with dementia are more prone to being injured at home and are less able to remember how to seek help, like forgetting how to use the phone to call 911 or pressing their “Life Alert.” Memory care communities are designed to meet the personalized needs of seniors with dementia and are staffed with highly qualified caregivers to keep your loved one safe at all times.
You Have a Gut Feeling
Regardless of whether your loved one displays every sign 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 act as soon as possible. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are diseases that require specific, compassionate care. We understand you want to keep your loved one in a familiar environment, but it’s important they get the care they need.
Get Your Loved One the Care They Need
Coping with the effects of a loved one living with Alzheimer’s and dementia isn’t easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If your loved one needs memory care assistance, Meridian Rehabilitation and Health Care Center provides a compassionate and secure environment ideal for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our team of professionals will treat your family like their own. Let us be a trusted and reliable source; we are here to help. Contact us today. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have.