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The answer is that it is situational. Every individual has a unique experience with dementia. Certain family members can live out their diagnosis entirely and comfortably in an assisted living environment, even as they move through the early stages of dementia. However, when Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a higher quality of life may need a move from assisted living to memory care (also known as a memory care facility). That decision can be challenging, all the more so when you are making it on behalf of a loved one. And it may be even more difficult if they believe they are doing well in assisted living. However, relocating to a memory care community can provide significant benefits and security that frequently improve a loved one’s quality of life.
When is Assisted Living Not Enough
Memory care is a subset of assisted living designed to give a higher degree of care to seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia. Due to the similarities between assisted living and memory care communities, seniors migrating from independent living to memory care maintain access to a senior living community, activities, 24-hour full-time staff members, meals, and assistance with activities of daily living. However, the atmosphere, care alternatives, and lifestyle are all carefully tailored to assist seniors living with a memory loss condition such as Alzheimer’s. These features benefit seniors by alleviating confusion, retaining their attention, and enabling a life filled with enjoyable moments while being safe. The move from assisted living to memory care is frequently seamless in communities that offer both.
“When should I transition my loved one from assisted living to memory care?” is one of the most crucial issues for family members. Consider the following symptoms that it is time to shift to memory care.
Participation in a Lifestyle of Assisted Living
One early indicator of the need for memory care is whether your loved one is still an active member of the assisted living group. Assisted living is aimed to maintain a senior’s freedom as much as possible, stepping in to provide care and support only when seniors need assistance. For example, restaurant-style meals and housekeeping alleviate the majority of daily physical strain, while community and social events provide abundant opportunities to socialize and stay engaged. You can go to a memory care nursing home near me.
Have you observed your loved one withdrawing from community activities? Do they no longer want meals in the dining room or appear disinterested in activities? Specific alterations could result from their dementia, which makes these tasks more difficult. Memory care may benefit them by giving them a more directed experience that ensures they find delight, eat enough, and stay stimulated appropriately.
Beyond Assisted Living Services, You May Require Assistance
If you discover that you are providing more particular care than anticipated, or if your loved one constantly needs familiar companionship, this is another clue that a transfer to memory care is imminent. Assisted living is a type of housing designed to give friends and family a break from continual care while allowing them to visit and mingle whenever possible. However, families who discover that assisted living does not meet their loved one’s care needs or level of support due to dementia may explore memory care as a next step. Your relative may begin phoning more frequently, requesting more extended stays, or just requiring more during your visits. When should you move someone to memory care?
Memory care is intended to assist seniors in living comfortably and experiencing retirement in a more supervised and assisted manner. It includes helping them avoid overstimulation and circumstances they have developed an aversion to, helping them feel supported and secure and assisting loved ones in making their visits more enjoyable.
Confusion and Loss of Track of Daily Activities
When a loved one has dementia, mental continuity is a big concern. If your loved one frequently becomes confused, to the point that they lose track of their affairs or community activities, it may be time to consider a transition from home care or assisted living to memory care.
Increased confusion, piles of unopened mail, inability to understand their current prescriptions or health care treatment plan and frequent misplacement of goods are all indicators that dementia care may be essential. Extreme amnesia, such as forgetting your visits or the friends they’ve met in the assisted living facility, is another indication that memory care may be a better fit for your loved one.
Memory Care Requirements
Maintaining Relationships with Seniors and Staff As dementia progresses, the ability of a senior to preserve relationships deteriorates. They will require those who understand dementia and provide gentle companionship that does not require regular memory continuity.
However, both skilled nursing and memory care staff are familiar with dementia and can assist residents in maintaining relationships with staff and other residents. Additionally, memory care personnel can teach family members and friends how to communicate effectively with their loved ones, resulting in positive and satisfying encounters.
Confidence and Joy
Finally, keep an eye out for signs of sadness or a loss of confidence. A loved one who was previously independent and loving their assisted living community may develop depression, withdrawal, or a loss of their former faith in decision-making. These are likely symptoms of increasing dementia symptoms. Many seniors in this circumstance recognize that they forget things, feel overstimulated in social situations, or ignore their customary routines, which causes them to withdraw.
The most critical factor is the happiness and safety of your loved ones. They may be more stimulated in memory care if they are no longer happy or participate in assisted living socializing and activities. Nurses, caregivers, and lifestyle staff can assist memory care residents in socializing, remembering what is important to them, and navigating an active and rewarding daily schedule.
Is the Time Appropriate for Your Loved One to Go From Assisted Living to Memory Care?
A certain amount of forgetting is natural as we age. However, if your loved one is frequently confused, discouraged, or has lost control of their life, even with assisted living assistance, the time may be suitable to transition. Memory care may significantly improve your loved one’s experience by providing personalized care to their physical and emotional needs. Memories care enables your loved ones to preserve their memory, relationships, and active participation in daily activities.
Before deciding, it is critical to visit a long-term care community and speak with personnel to ensure that your loved one will be pleased in the memory care community you choose. Examine the rooms, common areas, activity schedules, and how other families enjoy their stay. Inquire about the management of memory care and what the community does to assist seniors in memory care in living enriching lives.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Senior Living Facility for Your Relatives
Finding the ideal senior living community for your loved ones to call home can be a daunting task. We feel it is our responsibility to make that effort a little easier.
