Dementia can be a profoundly isolating experience for both people with dementia and the caregivers who love them. But rest assured you are not alone. One in three seniors dies with some form of dementia. Millions of families across the country are grappling with the very issues you face and finding that dementia does not have to mark the end of a meaningful, joyous life. If you are in the early or moderate stages of dementia, the Bridges neighborhood offers the perfect level of support between assisted living and dementia care. Here’s what you need to know as you weigh your options.
Bridges Neighborhood: What Is It?
Dementia looks and feels different for every senior who experiences it. Many live independently for years; others thrive with just a little bit of extra support. If your loved one needs more help than they can get in assisted living but has not yet experienced a level of cognitive decline that necessitates 24/7 support and care, the Bridges neighborhood could be perfect.
Bridges caters to people with mild to moderate dementia. We support people with significant memory loss, help people manage the emotional realities of dementia, and support seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living.
Moving a loved one to dementia care too early can be catastrophic. When a person is surrounded by people who struggle more than they do, they don’t get the kind of daily challenges and social interaction that can slow the progress of dementia. They may feel isolated and alone. Conversely, if you wait too long to transition someone to a higher level of care, they may not get the support they need. Wandering and other problem behaviors may increase, and they may feel isolated and afraid.
Bridges is aptly named because it helps bridge the gap between assisted living and dementia care, offering the perfect level of support.
How the Bridges Neighborhood Can Improve Your Quality of Life
Considering Bridges? Then expect to see meaningful changes in your loved one’s quality of life — or your own. Some benefits include:
- Dementia-friendly activities: People with dementia can learn new skills and relate on deeper levels with the right activities. We craft specially tailored classes, activities, and events with dementia in mind.
- More physical activity: Exercise improves overall health and may slow the spread of dementia, helping a person remain healthier for longer.
- More social support: No one wants to be isolated. Bridges supports people with dementia with daily socialization, compassionate care, and the loving reassurance that their happiness matters.
- Exceptional food: Enjoy gourmet dining tailored to your specific dietary needs. If dementia has caused eating issues such as dysphagia or eating less, we can help.
- Caregiver support: Bridges offers additional support to caregivers. It can also relieve caregiver stress and burnout, easing family conflict and making it easier for loved ones to enjoy time together.
Signs Bridges Might Be Right for You
Think Bridges might be a good choice for a loved one? Here are some signs it’s time to give Bridges a try:
- Your loved one seems confused in assisted living.
- Your loved one is not getting the help they need in assisted living.
- Your loved one lives at home, and family members feel overwhelmed by their needs.
- There is ongoing family conflict over your loved one’s needs and how best to support them.
- Your loved one is lonely, isolated, or spends most of their day in front of the TV.
- Your loved one’s cognitive abilities have declined because they are not getting enough stimulation.
- You’re starting to see problem behaviors such as wandering or incontinence.
Caring for someone with dementia can be exhausting. But rest assured your loved one knows you have their best interests at heart — even if it doesn’t always seem that way. Dementia distorts perceptions and changes behavior; it’s not them. It’s the disease. For more help managing the challenges of dementia caregiving, check out our free guide, “The Caregiver’s Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.”
