There are 95,000 Louisiana residents currently dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Picking up on the symptoms of dementia isn’t always straightforward. It can be difficult to discern regular age-related memory issues with serious neurodegenerative disease. At the same time, it’s important to recognize dementia quickly so you know when to move from assisted living to memory care.
Today, we’ll tell you some of the clearest signs that your loved one needs memory care over assisted living. The benefits of memory care for Alzheimer’s sufferers are countless, so keep reading and make sure your loved one is getting the care they need.
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care
Before you make any decisions, it’s important to understand the different types of approaches that these two forms of senior living take. While assisted living provides essential services to aging residents, memory care takes it to another level with specialized care.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a type of housing for people who need help with daily activities. It’s for individuals who don’t need constant medical care but may require assistance with tasks like dressing or taking medications. Residents often live in private apartments or rooms and can enjoy social activities, meals, and housekeeping services.
The focus in assisted living is on helping residents live as independently as possible. Staff is available to assist when needed, but residents can still make their own decisions and maintain privacy. It is ideal for older adults who want some help but do not have serious memory problems.
Memory Care
Memory care, on the other hand, is a specialized service for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. This care is designed for people who have significant memory loss and may struggle with daily tasks. Memory care communities provide a higher level of supervision and offer a secure environment to prevent residents from getting lost.
Staff members are specially trained to manage the unique needs of people with dementia. They offer personalized care and create a structured environment to help residents feel safe and comfortable. Memory care often includes activities to stimulate memory and cognitive skills, along with medical care and support for family members.
Benefits of Memory Care
Moving into memory care is a big transition. Here are a few benefits of memory care to quell any anxieties you or your loved one may have:
24/7 Supervision
Memory care offers round-the-clock supervision to keep residents safe. Staff are always available to assist with daily tasks and monitor residents. There are also a variety of other safety features in the community to lower injury risk.
This is especially important for people who may wander or forget where they are. Wandering is an issue that affects 6 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s. With constant attention, there is less risk of accidents.
Personalized Activities
Memory care programs include activities designed to engage and stimulate memory. They’re tailored to the abilities of each resident. They may include games, music, or arts and crafts.
The goal is to help improve cognitive function and promote social interaction. These activities can also improve mood and provide a sense of accomplishment for residents.
Support for Families
Memory care also offers support for families who may be feeling overwhelmed. Many communities provide counseling or family support groups.
Group counseling gives families a chance to connect with others in similar situations. They can share experiences and receive advice on how to care for their loved ones.
When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care
Knowing when to choose memory care is integral to navigating symptoms. Pay attention to these signs for memory care transition:
Forgetting Normal Things
If a senior starts forgetting important things like names, dates, or how to do daily tasks, it could be a sign that memory care is needed. Forgetting to take medication or forgetting to eat regularly are also warning signs.
Confusion
Another sign is when seniors become confused about their surroundings. They may not recognize their own home or get lost easily. This can be dangerous, especially if they wander outside or cannot find their way back.
Behavior Changes
Behavior changes are a strong indicator that someone might need memory care. Seniors may act anxious or depressed. They might also become easily upset or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Lack of Hygiene
If a senior is having difficulty with personal hygiene, it may indicate that they need extra help. They might forget to shower or change their clothes, which can lead to health issues over time.
Losing Interest in Activities
Finally, if seniors start to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, it’s among the top signs for memory care. They may stop socializing, forget hobbies, or seem uninterested in things that used to bring them joy. This can signal that their condition is affecting their cognitive abilities and quality of life.
Finding the Best Memory Care Options
When looking for memory care services, check for trained staff who specialize in dementia care. The staff should be knowledgeable about managing behaviors and providing emotional support.
Make sure the community offers a safe and secure environment. It should offer plenty of amenities and activities to maximize residents’ quality of life. Social isolation is a major contributor to dementia, so activities should also encourage interaction between residents, in addition to engaging their cognitive health.
The community should also provide personalized care plans tailored to each resident’s needs. Finally, consider whether the community offers family support services like counseling or support groups.
Let SummerHouse Ashton Manor Help Your Loved One’s Transition into Memory Care
Now that you know when to move from assisted living to memory care, you can get your loved one the help they need. The faster you act, the better chance there’ll be to slow your loved one’s cognitive decline. Even if dementia fully takes hold, memory care is the best option to make them comfortable as they navigate their unique symptoms.
For residents of Luling, the best choice for memory care is SummerHouse Ashton Manor. We’re the area’s top assisted living and memory care community, so we’re perfectly equipped to handle whatever your loved one’s needs are. Contact us today to schedule a tour and see the community for yourself.