Does your loved one have Alzheimer’s or dementia? If they do, you probably are wondering when exactly they might need memory care. After all, numerous studies found that shifting those with Alzheimer’s or dementia into memory care communities as soon as possible improves their mental, physical, and emotional outcomes. Nonetheless, despite the benefits, it can be difficult to know when memory care is the right choice for your loved ones. Hence, here are 6 signs that your loved ones may need memory care.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
If your loved ones get diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it is time to start talking about memory care. While it is encouraged and reasonable to continue staying at home in the early stages (as long as there are no major safety concerns), they will eventually need memory care facilities as it is more beneficial. Moreover, it is important to discuss memory care early on and to have an early transition to allow your loved ones to feel like they have a voice and choice for their own future. Moreover, it gives more time for them to familiarise themselves with the new surroundings, and build stronger relationships and connections with the community and team members. This is especially important before they proceed to later stages of dementia.
Overly Stressed
If you find yourself overly stressed or overwhelmed caring for your loved ones, it is time to consider memory care. Do not worry, it is not your fault. In fact, this is something that happens very often. That is because as people grow older, and or develop more memory loss, they will progressively need more medical help and support. And eventually, it can lead to a never-ending list of responsibilities that may make caregiving for your loved one feel like a tiring 24/7 job. In addition, if you are a part of the “Sandwich Generation,” caught between your parent who requires lots of care, a career, and your own family’s requirements, it can get extremely overwhelming and draining. Hence, if this is you, it is a strong indicator that your loved ones should seek qualified memory care facilities. After all, if you do not do so soon, you will soon shift from being a caretaker to needing your own caregiver.
Minimal Social Life
Does your loved one have little to no social life? If they do, they probably need to shift to a memory care community. This is because as they grow older, and or as their dementia progresses further, it can cause them to develop a more withdrawn personality which reduces their social life. Unfortunately, socializing sufficiently is actually extremely crucial to good mental health, and the lack of it can aggravate their health issues. And a memory care community is a warm and lively community that will encourage your loved ones to socialize more. In addition, these centers have daily activities, supervised trips, creative outlets, and many other events that would definitely stimulate natural conversations, even if your loved one is more of an introvert.
