When you or your loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia, life changes. Though a diagnosis can bring about a wide range of emotions including sadness and anxiety, an early diagnosis means that you have more time to plan for current and future needs. Thanks to more awareness and regular preventative care, physicians are able to diagnose patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia while still in their early stages. This early detection and diagnosis give family members time to process emotions and plan for the future alongside their loved ones.
Dementia Care Living Options
Part of planning for current and future needs includes finding a safe and comfortable living environment. Fortunately, there are many dementia care living options for seniors living in the Morris Plains area. However, not every option is ideal for every older adult.
Living at Home
Most older adults want to live at home for as long as possible. This option is definitely realistic for seniors who are in the early stages of cognitive loss and can buy your family time as you set up additional support or consider new living options for the future.
When you or your loved one is living at home alone or with a partner, ensure that you focus on safety. Seniors with memory loss can be more vulnerable to household accidents as well as medication mistakes. You can mitigate these risks by using medication reminder technology as well as scheduling family or friends to stop by and assist with small tasks.
Working with an At-Home Caregiver
If living at home alone becomes unsafe or difficult for your loved one, using the services of an in-home caregiver can be a viable option. An in-home caregiver can provide services daily or weekly, helping out with chores like grocery shopping or personal care tasks.
In-home assistance is an excellent option, though it can be quite expensive. Furthermore, as your loved one’s disease progresses, they may feel confused or conflicted about letting a “stranger” in the house.
Living in a Senior Living Community
Your loved one may feel lonely or isolated at home alone, or they may no longer be safe and comfortable there. A senior living community can provide the socialization, safety, and support they need. Seniors with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can thrive in assisted living communities.
Ideally, seniors with dementia should live in dementia care neighborhoods within an assisted living community. These specialized neighborhoods are designed to meet the challenges of dementia and provide residents with a comfortable, peaceful, and engaging home.
Choosing a Dementia Care Neighborhood
Start to look for a dementia care neighborhood long before the need arises. This way, your loved one can actively be part of the selection process and you can be confident in the community you choose. While touring dementia care neighborhoods, ensure that you take time to look at:
- The location: Choose a community that is familiar to your loved one or that is close to family members.
- The apartment: Choose a community that offers a variety of apartment options and that encourages you to bring in your favorite furniture and decorations from home.
- The staff: Choose a community that is committed to providing dementia-specific education to any team member who interacts with residents.
- The activities: Choose a community that has an activity and event calendar that is interesting and engaging.
- The food: Choose a community that offers delicious and nutritious meals, in addition to working with residents who have unique eating challenges and ensuring a delightful dining experience for everyone.
Learn more about how to select a senior living community, as well as how to navigate the dementia journey by downloading our free guide, “Living Well with Dementia.” This guide offers unique insight, as it was co-written by seniors who are living through the early stages of dementia. You will find that it is a valuable resource for everyone in your family.
Dementia Care in Morris Plains
At Arbor Terrace Morris Plains, our Evergreen memory care neighborhood is second to none. In addition to a cozy and beautiful environment, our residents benefit from personalized interactions and engaging activities daily. Our specially trained staff delight in getting to know our residents and developing person-centered interventions designed for specific individual preferences.
Call us today to set up a personalized tour or to schedule a time to visit for a meal. We would be honored to serve you and your loved one!
