When is it time for Memory Care?

Making the decision to move to memory care is never an easy one. Sometimes a significant incident will occur – wandering out the door and getting lost is the most common – that makes the decision an obvious one. But what happens when your loved one is on the borderline? 

Here are some things to think about.

 

Dignity

We don’t want our loved ones just to survive, we want them to thrive. Think about what their day to day life looks like and identify the areas they are struggling with. Maybe they aren’t seeing friends or going out as much because socializing has become difficult. It might be harder to keep up with the conversations and what’s going on around them. 

Memory care provides an environment to participate in activities that are designed for those with cognitive impairments. It’s slower, quieter, and easier to keep up with the group. Even if you don’t think your loved one will participate, being amongst peers can keep them engaged. 

As dementia progresses, issues like feeding and toileting become more and more difficult. We want our loved ones to be in an environment where they do not need to feel shame or embarrassment over needing help with these tasks.

 

Safety

A memory care community should always be a secured, locked facility to prevent elopement. However, it’s more than just that. The best memory care communities have a packed daily schedule, which promotes residents to get out of their rooms and into the communal areas. That means more eyes on them throughout the day, helping to prevent falls or any potentially harmful behaviors. 

Shared rooms can be a scary prospect, but sometimes it’s a wonderful way to alleviate anxiety and feel comforted by another person in the room. It can also help residents get into a routine and recognize cues (“it’s still dark outside and my roommate is asleep!”) to adhere to healthy sleeping schedules. 

 

Budget

Most memory care communities offer an all inclusive price to include assistance with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Even as residents age and require more care, the price never hikes up unexpectedly. Whilst memory care is by no means cheap, it can often be the more affordable option than 24/7 in-home care or the highest levels of care in assisted living. 

 

To find out more, contact us on (512) 574-0910