Moving a loved one into memory care is often a difficult and emotional decision. Knowing when to move to memory care can leave caregivers feeling concerned and overwhelmed about the well-being of their loved ones.
When to Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care
For those making this important decision, it’s important to know the signs that it’s time for memory care. Memory care communities provide specialized care and support for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other types of cognitive decline. In addition, they offer a safe and secure environment that promotes independence and socialization.
There are several signs that memory care is necessary for you or a loved one, including:
- Accelerated memory loss
- Regular mood changes
- Wandering behavior
- Difficulty with daily tasks
- Increased safety concerns
Accelerating Memory Loss
If you notice that your loved one has rapidly-progressing memory loss, a memory care community is the best place for their safety. As memory loss progresses, the quality of life for your loved one can decline.
Without proper support, it’s possible for you or your parent to begin wandering, get lost, or forget how to perform daily tasks. The staff at a memory community can help manage their symptoms and provides advanced care.
Frequent Mood or Behavioral Changes
Frequent mood changes are another sign of when to move to memory care. Behavioral changes like apathy, anxiety, and depression are some common signs of dementia. You may also see sudden changes like agitation, and in some cases, aggression.
A memory care facility is great for treating the progression of cognitive decline. Staff members are specifically trained to support your loved one’s mental health. In these communities, staff members are specifically trained to support individuals with memory loss and cognitive decline, and they understand the unique challenges that these individuals face.
Your loved one will also receive individualized care that is tailored to their specific mental health needs. They will be surrounded by a supportive community of peers and staff who understand their challenges and can offer comfort and encouragement.
Memory care communities also offer a variety of activities and programs designed to promote socialization, stimulation, and independence, which can help to improve your loved one’s mental health and overall well-being.
Your Loved One Begins Wandering
Over half of people living with dementia will wander at least once. Wandering can be extremely frightening, especially if your loved one does so in an uncontrolled environment or without supervision. If this behavior begins happening, it’s one of the largest signs that it’s time to move to memory care.
It is important to ensure that your loved one with dementia is in a safe and secure environment that minimizes the risk of wandering. Memory care facilities are specifically designed to provide a secure and supportive environment for individuals with memory loss and cognitive decline. They offer a range of safety features, such as secure exits, to prevent wandering, as well as trained staff who can respond to wandering incidents in a timely and effective manner.
Difficulty With Daily Tasks
Memory loss and cognitive decline can make it difficult for individuals to manage daily tasks, like bathing, dressing, and eating. These challenges can be overwhelming and lead to frustration for you and your loved one.
Memory care facilities are designed to provide support for daily tasks, offering a range of services and amenities to help individuals manage their daily tasks without sacrificing their independence.
Safety Concerns
Finally, if you have safety concerns for a loved one with memory loss, then you should consider the transition to memory care. Memory loss can be especially dangerous if a person doesn’t have constant access to care. Someone who is confused can easily hurt themselves or become lost.
If you are unable to leave your loved one alone for an extended time out of fear for their safety, a memory care facility is the perfect solution. Most memory care facilities have staff that can respond in emergencies and deliver care when a resident needs it most.
Get Help With the Transition to Memory Care
When you see the signs it’s time for memory care, the Good Shepherd Community can help. We provide a safe living facility for those living with memory loss. Our constant care and support help you focus on spending time with your loved one while we support their daily needs.
Contact us to schedule a visit and learn more about living at the Good Shepherd in Becker or Sauk Rapids.