When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it can be overwhelming to prepare for the future. Different people experience this illness in different ways, so it may be difficult to predict how quickly it will progress and what changes may occur next. Some seniors living with dementia can live more independently while others require round-the-clock care to ensure their security and comfort. It can be tricky to know when a senior should no longer live on their own. That’s why we’ve created this list of key signs to help determine when seniors should make the transition into more closely monitored professional care. Keep reading to find out if the time is right for your loved one to transition into Suwanee memory care.
Difficulty Completing Daily Tasks
Typical responsibilities like brushing your teeth, bathing, and locking doors may seem second nature to you, but can quickly become a struggle for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Forgetting these essential tasks occasionally may not cause harm, but over time the risk substantially increases. Similarly, they may forget how to operate typical household appliances they once used everyday which becomes frustrating for everyone.
If your loved one is routinely needing reminders or support to complete daily hygiene and living tasks, having 24/7 assistance available in memory care would be highly beneficial. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or experiencing negative consequences, they can be empowered by the routines and available assistance in memory care communities.
Easily Disoriented
If your loved one has consistent difficulty remembering where they are, what they’re doing, or who is around these could all be signs that memory care is becoming necessary. If they are not remembering how to operate typical household equipment or becoming lost when they drive, these are also signs that more continuous care may be necessary.
This is also true if they are losing commonly used objects – such as a cell phone or keys – or misidentifying people they see on a regular basis or have known for many years. Although this forgetfulness may be harmless at first, it can become increasingly frustrating and potentially dangerous over time.
Increased Aggression
Many seniors living with cognitive decline can become agitated, irritable, or aggressive. These behaviors may be more prevalent during a specific time of day or happen on a sporadic basis, it just depends on the individual. Although slight mood fluctuations are a typical part of life, the severity and consistency of these outbursts can become alarming to all involved.
In cases where the aggression toward self or others is becoming more frequent and more severe, the intervention of trained professionals at a memory care community would be highly beneficial. The trained staff know how to safely de-escalate situations in order to keep seniors and others as safe and calm as possible.
Caregivers Are Too Overwhelmed
Everyone has their limits. However, if caregivers reach the burnout stage, they may become resentful or hostile toward the senior in their care. To prevent either party from being uncomfortable, it may be best to let professionals in to help.
Oftentimes, caregivers are family members who stepped up to care for their loved one because they wanted to help. They may not have any training or prior experience caring for those with dementia, making it difficult to navigate the inevitable, unexpected changes. This can strain relationships and cause tension within families.
In contrast, staff in memory care communities have been specifically trained how to care for seniors with dementia. They have also been trained how to process the emotional stress that accompanies their line of work. Trying to care for someone living with dementia can be incredibly taxing if someone is not trained and prepared to do so, especially long term.
Doctors Suggest Moving to Memory Care
Although this may be the most obvious reason, it’s worth mentioning because it’s also one of the most important. Doctors and physicians have likely seen many cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia throughout their careers. Because of their experience, they can quickly recognize signs of behaviors or patterns that can become more dangerous.
If a doctor or physician has mentioned memory care as a potential plan for your loved one, it’s probably time to seriously consider if this option is feasible.
For more than 30 years, The Arbor Company has been dedicated to serving senior and their families across the United States with senior living care, education, and support. We hope this article has provided you with a helpful perspective so you can consider if your loved one – and their loved ones and caregivers– may benefit from memory care.
Still have more questions? Check out our free Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care for more in-depth information.
