According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly half a million New Yorkers suffer from the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia.
If you've got a loved one in an assisted living community, you know their physical and mental health needs are being properly taken care of. What you might not see, however, are the alarming signs of dementia progression that might mean they're better off in memory care.
It can be difficult to know when to move from assisted living to memory care, but we'll try to help. In today's post, we'll look at assisted living vs memory care, discuss some memory care benefits, and outline some of the key signs of Alzheimer's in seniors.
Keep reading and you'll be able to tackle the transition to memory care and give your loved one the highest possible quality of life in their memory care community.
Assisted living communities and memory care communities both support seniors, but they're meant for different needs. Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily tasks, such as:
Seniors in assisted living still have good memories and live independently with the communities offering a balance of help and freedom.
Memory care communities, on the other hand, are specially designed for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. They offer a higher level of care including support for memory loss and create a safer environment to prevent confusion or wandering.
While both types of communities provide social activities and support, memory care has extra features like specialized staff and security to help seniors with memory challenges. These communities focus on providing safety, structure, and care specific to cognitive needs.
It can be daunting to think about memory care. Whether you need to hear the perks of making this transition or your loved one does, here are the benefits you'll see in memory care:
Memory care communities offer specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Staff are trained to understand the unique needs of people with memory loss. They provide personalized care to help manage confusion, anxiety, and other symptoms of memory disorders.
Memory care is designed to keep seniors safe. Many have secure areas to prevent residents from wandering, which is common in people with memory loss. The environment is structured to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that residents are always cared for.
These communities offer activities designed to engage the mind and improve cognitive function. These activities are tailored to each person's abilities, promoting mental and emotional well-being. Seniors can enjoy games, art, and social events that help them feel connected and active.
Memory care communities also support families by providing education and guidance on caring for a loved one with memory loss. Family members can feel confident knowing that their loved one is in a safe, supportive environment. This peace of mind helps reduce stress for seniors and their families.
Living in a memory care community can improve a senior's quality of life by offering companionship, structure, and compassionate care. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and feel respected, which leads to greater overall happiness and a more fulfilling life despite memory challenges.
Your loved one will exhibit signs when they're struggling with memory. If you or assisted living staff notice any of the following, you'll want to consider memory care.
It could be a sign of memory loss if your loved one regularly forgets important events like birthdays or appointments. This can be especially noticeable if they get upset when reminded of these missed events.
When your loved one starts to struggle with tasks they once handled well, it could be a red flag. They might forget how to cook meals, use the TV remote, or even get dressed properly. If these issues grow more frequent, it's important to watch for other signs.
If your loved one becomes confused in areas they know well, like their own room, it's a sign of memory issues. They might get lost walking around the assisted living community or forget where they left things. This confusion often grows worse over time, making it hard for them to feel comfortable.
Memory loss can cause sudden changes in mood or personality. Your loved one might become easily frustrated, anxious, or even angry over simple problems. They may also lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, like hobbies or spending time with family.
If your loved one starts repeating the same questions or actions, it's a strong sign of memory loss. They might ask the same question multiple times or tell the same story over and over. This repetitive behavior can be confusing for both them and others.
Transitioning your loved one from assisted living to memory care can be a sensitive process. Start by discussing the change with them and explaining how it will help meet their needs. Ensure they feel supported and safe by involving them in the process, whether that's through a visit or introducing staff members.
Be patient as they adjust to the new routine and environment. Consistent visits from family can ease the transition and provide comfort.
Alzheimer's is extremely difficult for individuals and families alike. Knowing when to move from assisted living to memory care is tricky. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, start thinking about memory care immediately.
Finding the right memory care community makes the transition much easier. For families in Brooklyn, The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is the community that can help your loved one navigate these complex changes.
We offer comfortable accommodations, highly trained staff, and amenities to give your loved one the highest quality of life possible. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community in Brooklyn, NY.