Assisted living is a wonderful adult residence option for many senior citizens. Assisted living provides an independent living option that allows for your loved one to maintain their own space and make their own decisions daily – but combines independence with a secure environment and professionals to help should the need arise. However, there may come a time in the resident’s life when they develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and they may need to move from assisted living to memory care.
Memory care facilities provide more comprehensive and skilled oversight for those who may be living with dementia. If a senior in assisted living begin to lose their memory function, they may need to shift over to memory care. It can be difficult for families to embrace the fact that their loved one is declining. However, they must see the situation from the aspect of doing the best for the individual. Some assisted living facilities to have memory care residences on the same property, which can make the move less stressful.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
Memory function often declines gradually, so it may be difficult to determine the exact right time to make the move. Ultimately, safety is typically the deciding factor. These are some of the common signs to watch for.
Wandering is becoming a problem.
Assisted living communities allow residents to come and go as they decide. Although many residents no longer drive, a resident is always free to walk out through the front doors – albeit they are usually required to sign in and out. If an individual wanders out of the facility without knowledge of where they are going – or not telling anyone that they are leaving – they could be in danger. Therefore if someone is developing dementia and is prone to wandering, the freedom to come and go is no longer a safe option.
Disorientation is increasing.
Increasing confusion or disorientation may not signal a need for memory care on their own. However, if someone can’t find the way back to their room or can’t find their way to the dining hall, the staff in assisted living may not necessarily be available to help them at all times. The ratio of staff to residents is higher in memory care than in assisted living, where life is more independent. In addition to personnel considerations, the staff in memory care are trained to provide specialized care and cueing to confused or disoriented individuals.
Inappropriate behavior is becoming evident.
One of the symptoms of dementia is sometimes inappropriate behavior such as sexual acting out, being aggressive towards others, or self-harm. Many memory care communities are smaller than assisted living communities, which permits more supervision and monitoring of residents. More trained personnel are therefore available to redirect and mitigate inappropriate behaviors and habits.
Social isolation is affecting them.
People with dementia or depression often experience social isolation and don’t feel comfortable in social situations that entail conversation and participation. Other residents may take note that an individual has trouble communicating or is constantly repeating themselves. Memory care centers facilitate activities that can accommodate those with cognitive impairment. Residents are encouraged to participate in the community even if they don’t want to actively engage in organized activities.
The assisted living community recommends it.
Often, the assisted living director or staff may recommend that your loved one needs to move to memory care based upon their observations and expertise. It may come as a surprise to you, as your loved one seems just fine where they are. But there are nuances to behavior that they understand better than you do. Still, if you do not agree with their assessment of your loved one, schedule a meeting to discuss what the issues are. You may be able to arrange an additional caregiver, arrange a schedule with family to spend more time helping the resident, speak to a physician about medications that may calm inappropriate behavior, or give your loved one a GPS watch to keep track of their movements. You may be able to delay or avoid an unnecessary move.
A Banyan Residence in the Villages provides professional assisted living and memory care options in our community. What’s more, we’re an age-in-place facility, meaning that your loved one can stay in the same room when the need for more care arises. We are happy to work with you to determine the best option for your loved one to live out their golden years. Call today for a visit and personal tour.
