Caring for a loved one with memory issues can be a full-time job, and it can be hard to juggle their needs with your own. But imagine the relief and peace of mind you could experience by knowing that your loved one’s daily health and transportation needs are all taken care of with precision and compassion. If this sounds like something that could make your life much easier and result in a better relationship with your family member, look no further than a memory care facility.
Challenges and Risks Faced by Seniors with Memory Issues
For seniors grappling with memory impairments, the seemingly simple tasks of daily life become obstacles that are both frustrating and hazardous. One of the primary hurdles is medication adherence. Memory issues can lead seniors to forget whether they have taken their medication, potentially leading them to skip doses or double up. This can easily result in adverse reactions or ineffective treatment, meaning their condition worsens or doesn’t get the needed treatment.
Similarly, scheduling and attending medical appointments pose another significant challenge. Seniors may struggle to keep track of upcoming visits to various healthcare providers, and this difficulty leads to delayed care, fewer opportunities for early diagnoses, and overall worse health outcomes. Even if they can schedule appointments, getting there isn’t a walk in the park. Memory impairments can make driving unsafe, yet public transportation can be confusing and inaccessible at the same time.
Even routine tasks, like oral care in the morning and at night, might be difficult for seniors with memory issues. If skipped, they can cause just as many problems as medication errors. Unless caregivers can provide nearly 24/7 support or visit the senior multiple times daily, there is always a risk of missing something important.
How Memory Care Facilities Assist in Coordinating Care for Seniors
At this point, you might ask, ” How can I provide my loved one the assistance they need without hiring a 24/7 dedicated caregiver or giving up my career?” If your senior is aging at home, there might not be another option that ensures they never miss an appointment or medication schedule. Luckily, solo living at home isn’t the only option for seniors. Many people think that at-home retirement is cheaper than living at an assisted living or memory care facility, but they fail to realize that many of the costs baked into an assisted living facility plan will still have to be covered if deciding to age at home.
Instead of hiring a personalized caregiver, consider a facility with a team of staff who all provide personalized service. Staff at memory care facilities can provide the meticulous oversight necessary to ensure that all aspects of a senior’s healthcare are managed effectively. They coordinate with various healthcare providers to schedule regular check-ups, specialist visits, and therapy sessions.
Due to the abundance of necessary medications for many seniors, one of the key functions of memory care staff is medication management. When staff work closely with seniors, families, and doctors during the course of care, you will never have to worry about missed medication, incorrect dosage, or side effects. This close communication also allows them to understand a senior’s appointments and sessions, as mentioned.
While we have focused on critical health concerns like healthcare appointments and prescriptions, memory care facility staff can assist with any part of a senior’s day, from bathing and dressing to cooking and eating. If caregiving is becoming too much or you want your family member to experience personalized care at the hands of trained staff members, contact A Banyan Residence today to schedule a tour of our memory care and assisted living facility.
