Is It Time for Memory Care? Key Indicators to Watch For
Whether your loved one is living at home or in an independent living community, there may come a time for increasing their care. One in seven seniors over the age of 70 has some form of dementia, and memory care can help.
It's not always easy to make the decision, but dementia will progress over time. When is it time for memory care, and how can you help your loved one cope with the change?
Read on as we discuss the signs of dementia, the benefits of specialized memory care, and providing support in the face of a major transition.
When Is It Time for Memory Care?
First, let's talk about the signs that dementia is progressing. Remember, there's a difference between general memory loss associated with age and various forms of dementia. While the former can be moderately disruptive, the latter marks an increased need for care.
Increasing Cognitive Decline
Typical age-related memory loss can manifest as an occasional misplaced bill or forgotten word. Serious cognitive decline symptoms can include:
- Forgetting the names of significant people, like a lifelong friend or nephew
- Getting lost in familiar environments
- Repeating stories or information several times in a short span
- Frequently forgetting new information
In the early stages, seniors may try to manage or hide their memory loss by isolating. They may also express frustration or anxiety over their inability to keep things straight or stay present.
New Safety Concerns
With increasing cognitive decline often comes an increase in safety concerns. This is especially the case for seniors living alone. Examples include:
- Forgetting to turn off the stove or other appliances
- Losing control while driving
- Wandering
As your loved one ages, they may also experience an increase in balance issues. When compounded with dementia, falling while at home alone can become life-threatening.
Changes in Mood and Behavior
As we mentioned earlier, dementia symptoms can leave seniors feeling anxious. They may be aware that something is changing but can't understand what or why. This can cause changes in mood and behavior, with symptoms such as:
- Irritability and anger
- Confusion and disorientation
- Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
- Aggression and abusive behavior
Unfortunately, these changes aren't usually a passing phase for dementia patients. Having professional care can ease the burden on family members and friends.
Decline in Personal Care
As significant memory loss sets in, you may notice that your loved one struggles to keep up with personal care. This may look like:
- Changes in eating habits and weight
- A decline in personal grooming
- Forgetting to take medication or overtaking medication
- Struggling to keep up with household maintenance and bills
You may also notice an increase in medical complications, like incontinence, dehydration, or an increase in UTIs.
How Can Memory Care Facilities Help?
If you're looking for elderly care options, you'll come across assisted living communities, nursing homes, and memory care communities. Let's take a look at why memory care communities are the best option for most dementia patients.
Specialized Assistance
As dementia increases, it's important that assistance with activities of daily living increases. While assisted living residents receive ADL support, memory care staff members are trained to provide more rigorous support and provide round-the-clock availability.
Specialized memory care also requires familiarity with dementia and how to provide comfort to dementia patients. For example, memory care staff members know when to clear up a resident's confusion and when not to disrupt their sense of reality. This careful balance can decrease the daily anxiety and frustration a memory loss resident experiences.
Increased Safety and Security
Many memory care communities provide private quarters for each resident. These private quarters are designed with safety in mind, including a navigable layout and minimal appliances.
Because wandering is a concern with dementia patients, memory care communities put an emphasis on security. Staff members are on duty at all times to help residents return to safe and familiar environments if they grow confused or agitated.
Prevention of Caregiver Burnout
In the early stages of significant memory loss, you may find caregiving manageable. However, your loved one's needs will only increase with time. Additionally, they may develop new symptoms or medical needs that you struggle to manage alone.
Finding a trusted memory care community is a great way to prevent caregiver burnout. You will still play an active role in your loved one's care. However, you'll also have the time and space to take care of yourself, making it easier to maintain a positive relationship with your loved one.
Helping Your Loved One Transition to Memory Care
It's not uncommon for seniors to express a desire to age in place, whether that's in their long-term home or an independent living community. Seniors with dementia, in particular, can struggle with transitions because the loss of familiarity can create more confusion.
To help your loved one transition to memory care, we suggest:
- Talking to them about the transition in the weeks beforehand
- Encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings without invalidating their concerns
- Introducing them to memory care staff members before their move-in date
- Bringing familiar personal items to their new private living quarters
- Scheduling the move for a time of day when your loved one is most alert and comfortable
- Visiting or using video technology to talk to your loved one in the days after their transition
Anticipate setbacks throughout the process. For example, your loved one may seem cooperative one day and resistant the next. Trained staff members can provide both you and your loved one support with this process.
Seek Empathy-Based Memory Care in Brooklyn Heights
When is it time for memory care? We often find that when family members and caregivers are asking themselves that question, the time is now. With a diagnosis of dementia, your loved one will need increasing support over time.
At The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, we're prepared to provide that support. Our memory care neighborhood is elegant, and our staff members strive to fill each day with music, laughter, support, and delicious food. Contact us to find out if we're the right fit for your family.