Ideally, when an older adult is ready to move into a senior living community, they will make that choice themself and be excited to experience a social lifestyle with resort-inspired amenities. However, sometimes family members need to take a more active role in encouraging the decision. If your loved one has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, specialized dementia care can offer them more than a safe and comfortable environment. These communities are designed to meet specific challenges that can come as dementia progresses, and they feature staff members who are trained in dementia care best practices and interventions.
Does your loved one need dementia care? Here are a few signs that it could be time to begin the search for a community.
A Diagnosis
If your loved one has been experiencing some lapses in judgment or is confused or forgetful more often, it is time to visit a physician. Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia is now possible even in the early stages of the disease. This early diagnosis can give your loved one the opportunity to be involved with their future plans, including choosing a dementia care community.
Increased Anxiety
All stages of dementia can include a heightened sense of anxiety or worry. Unfortunately, this extra anxiety can be quite scary or uncomfortable for the person living with the condition. If you are noticing increased anxiety in your loved one, it could be time to find a dementia care community. These communities offer specialized programming that will accommodate your loved one’s routines and moods, decreasing late afternoon or evening anxiety.
Safety Concerns
Dementia doesn’t just affect memory; it also affects other parts of the brain, including executive function and judgment. This means that living at home alone can often become unsafe for someone who has dementia. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of unsafe behaviors, such as forgetting about expired food in the fridge or turning the oven on when not actively cooking.
Wandering or Becoming Lost
A sign of mid-stage dementia is wandering, though the behavior can begin earlier in the disease process. Wandering is walking without a determined destination or time frame. Typically, wandering happens in the late afternoon or evening hours; watch to see if your loved one seems unsettled or unable to sit down during this time. Furthermore, if your loved one becomes lost while walking or driving, it is time to begin searching for dementia care communities in your desired location.
Little Socialization
Older adults living with dementia can experience increased cognitive decline if they are isolated at home alone or with a partner. Unfortunately, many adults living with dementia tend to isolate at home, declining invitations to book club or church fellowship because they feel self-conscious about their memory — or because they forget the appointment altogether. Dementia care communities feature built-in socialization events and trips throughout the day, offering residents the opportunity to feel connected with peers.
Nutrition Challenges or Concerns
Is your loved one losing a lot of weight lately? Do you worry they are not preparing and eating healthy meals daily? Disruptions in eating routines and appetite can lead to nutritional challenges for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Fortunately, dementia care communities offer chef-prepared meals, along with adaptations as needed, in order to ensure residents are receiving delicious and nutritious meals in a social setting.
Caregiver Exhaustion
Family caregivers often coordinate care for and check in on their loved ones who are at home living with dementia. However, as the disease progresses, family members can become downright exhausted with their caregiving duties. Dementia care communities take care of the caregiving and allow family members to once again enjoy their family relationship without the burden of caregiving.
Download our free resource Living Well with Dementia, a guide co-written by older adults living in the early stages of the disease. You’ll get an insiders’ perspective on how to be supportive and advocate for your loved one without taking away their control or independence.
