One prominent question comes to mind for families when caring for a loved one with memory loss: Should your loved one remain at home and receive care in a familiar environment or transition into a top local memory care community? Each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, and it’s crucial to consider all angles before coming to a decision that will have such a great impact on their future. The most important thing is never to feel guilty when the time comes to make a choice of care. Remember, you are putting your loved one’s needs and desires at the highest priority, and ultimately, your final decision will always be with their best interest at heart.
Next, our senior living team will share the pros and cons of each option, so your family in Canton, GA, can feel confident in choosing care that will greatly enhance your loved one’s quality of life.
Living at Home (Otherwise Known as Aging in Place)
Pros
Familiar Environment
Staying at home allows individuals to remain in a setting they recognize, which can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Familiar objects, rooms, and routines typically provide comfort, minimizing the stress that a change in surroundings may bring.
Personalized Care
Family caregivers or hired professionals can tailor care to the individual's specific needs and preferences. This ensures that the care is more flexible and adapted to the unique requirements of the person receiving it, offering comfort and continuity.
Cost Control
Depending on the level of care required, in-home care may be more affordable than a memory care community, especially in the earliest stages of memory loss. Families can adjust care expenses by hiring caregivers for only the necessary hours, rather than paying for a full-time community.
Emotional Comfort
Being surrounded by family members, as long as they are around often or even living in the home, can provide emotional security and a sense of belonging. Familiar interactions and social bonds with family members is certainly one of the most positive benefits of life at home.
Cons
Safety Risks
Home settings may not have the necessary safety modifications, increasing the risk of falls or wandering. Without proper precautions, seniors with dementia may be at risk of injury due to common household hazards such as stairs, loose rugs, or unsecured doors.
Caregiver Stress
Family caregivers may experience burnout due to the physical and emotional demands of providing care. Managing daily tasks, medical needs, and behavioral challenges can become overwhelming, leading to exhaustion and mental strain.
Limited Social Interaction
Individuals living at home may have fewer opportunities for social engagement and structured activities with peers. Lack of regular interaction with those with similar interests and engagement in stimulating activities is shown in numerous studies to lead to loneliness and a faster progression of cognitive decline.
Inconsistent Care
The quality of care may depend on the availability and expertise of family caregivers or hired professionals. If primary caregivers need a break or face unexpected challenges, the continuity of care might be compromised.
Memory Care Community
Memory Care Community
Pros
Specialized Care
Memory care communities are designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with memory loss, with trained staff available 24/7. These professionals are highly skilled in managing dementia-related behaviors and providing the appropriate level of support and care that never compromises the freedom of residents.
Safety and Security
A memory care setting will have secured environments to prevent wandering and reduce safety risks. Features such as alarmed exits, controlled access, and fall-prevention measures ensure seniors are kept safe at all times.
Structured Activities
Residents of a vibrant Canton, GA, community benefit from cognitive-stimulating activities, social engagement, and holistic wellness programs. Activities such as music therapy, art classes, and exercise programs help maintain cognitive function and improve overall well-being.
Resources for Families
Family members can have peace of mind knowing they have access to all the resources they need and that their loved one is receiving the best quality professional care in a safe and nurturing environment. After transitioning a loved one into their new apartment, family members can focus more on quality visits and emotional support rather than a building list of daily responsibilities at home.
Cons
Adjustment Period
Moving into a new environment can be challenging and may cause temporary distress for seniors, especially if their dementia is more advanced. It may take time for individuals to get used to the new routines, unfamiliar faces, and different surroundings.
Cost
Memory care communities can be expensive, depending on the level of care required. However, for those in the advanced stages of memory loss, modifications to a home and hiring at-home care can be drastically more expensive. Use a cost calculator tool to determine estimated costs, as well as if you qualify for any financial assistance programs, such as veteran’s benefits.
Less Personal Control
Seniors may feel like they have less autonomy over their daily schedules and routines compared to living at home. While structured care is beneficial, a premium memory care community in Canton, GA, will always empower residents to embrace their freedom, never take it away.
Separation from Family
While families are encouraged to visit regularly, some seniors may feel isolated or miss the presence of loved ones. The transition away from home can be emotionally difficult, particularly for those who are deeply attached to their family and home environment. This is why having empathetic and compassionate caregivers in a memory care environment is so important.
How To Know Which Memory Care Option is Right for You
When deciding between at-home care and a memory care community, consider factors such as the level of care needed, financial resources, safety concerns, and the well-being of both the individual and their primary caregivers at home.
In the heart of picturesque Canton, GA, The Arbor at BridgeMill offers expert care, engaging activities, and a secure environment for your loved one experiencing memory loss. As your family considers memory care options, stop by our welcoming community and ask about our flexible care plans, enjoy a meal in our restaurant-style dining room, and consult with a healthcare professional to make an informed decision that will guarantee your loved one thrives in their new environment.
The Arbor at BridgeMill Can Help
Always remember, the best choice will depend on each family's unique situation. Download our complimentary resource, The Caregiver’s Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, to learn more about your memory care options as well as what best suits your loved ones needs both now and in the future.