Considering a change in your parent’s or a loved one’s care can be difficult. It can be especially emotional when you notice that they may need a higher level of care, such as moving from an assisted living situation to that of memory care. But how do you know just when is the right time to explore memory care communities in Bee Cave, TX for your loved one?
Below, we’ll shine a light on some of the most telling signs that a dedicated memory care community may be the best place for your loved one to thrive in.
They Need More Help With Basic Tasks
Has your loved one expressed or have you noticed them having difficulties with their daily tasks or chores? This may include things like their daily hygiene, such as bathing, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. It may also apply to things such as grocery shopping, preparing meals, or cleaning their home. If you notice your loved one can no longer take care of basic tasks properly on their own, this may be a clue that a memory care community may be right for them.
They Seem Absent-Minded
Seniors with dementia experience a gradual decline in their cognitive skills. This relates to how well they can pay attention to their surroundings or in conversation. Their minds start to drift to different times, places, or even imagine things that aren’t there. Have you noticed your loved one seems to be confused or absent-minded more frequently than usual? This could be a clear indicator that their dementia has progressed, and their health may be best taken care of in a dedicated senior living memory care community.
Their Health Is Declining
Have you looked at your loved one recently and thought, they are looking a little thin? Or perhaps their skin is looking paler or more “sunk in” than normal? Changes in appearance in people with dementia could be a very telling sign that they are no longer getting the proper nutrients or the right care where they are now. Or maybe you notice them dragging out a cough or cold longer than usual? All of these could be signs that their care needs may be changing or growing.
Their Caregiver Is Feeling Overwhelmed
Maybe you are your loved one’s main caretaker. Or perhaps your loved one has care provided by another family member or even a professional caregiver in their place. Whoever is looking after your loved one now, if they express – or you feel – a strong sense of being overwhelmed with the situation (such as caregiver burnout), this is a clear sign that your loved one’s care situation should change as soon as possible. Looking after someone with dementia is a taxing 24-hour job. Since a person living with a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may eventually lose the ability to complete basic daily tasks, like using the bathroom, professional help is essential. A kind and caring Bee Cave memory care community can provide exactly the right kind of care your loved one may need. It features highly-trained staff, friendly neighbors and peers, and a multitude of convenient amenities to help make your loved one’s life easier.
Their Safety Is in Jeopardy
If your loved one living with dementia is currently alone, their well-being and safety could be in danger. People living with any type of dementia, gradually lose their critical thinking skills as well as basic cognitive abilities. This could lead to dangerous situations, such as them leaving the stove burning, leaving the door unlocked, or them forgetting to turn off the water faucet.
Another critical sign is if you see they suddenly have more bruises, cuts, or scrapes than usual. As people age, accidental falls, big or small, become a greater risk. Seniors with dementia are especially prone to hurting themselves by accident. This could happen as they stumble up some steps, cut themselves while trying to cook, or burn themselves on a stove due to fumbling or shaky hands.
The bottom line is, if your loved one is living with dementia and they don’t have reliable and compassionate caregivers looking after them, their safety could be compromised. To avoid the possibility of further harm to them, they may be safest in a caring memory care community, where skilled staff can look after them 24/7.
They’re Living a Lonely or Isolated Life
Seniors living on their own are at the greatest risk of slipping into isolation. This can lead to a host of further impacted health issues, such as a weaker immune system, anxiety, depression, and other concerns. If you think that your loved one may be living a too isolated or sheltered life, a vibrant memory care community in Bee Cave could help them live a more connected, social, and joyful life.
One of the biggest benefits of living in a lively memory care community is that they offer lots of opportunities to connect with peers, make new friends, and try new engaging activities. The best communities offer specific activities, tailored to the minds, skill sets, and joys of seniors living with dementia. They have caring staff that adores interacting with the residents, plenty of welcoming neighbors to form friendships with, and a number of exclusive on-site amenities, such as activity rooms, libraries, and spacious courtyards to stroll through with new friends. Your loved one might even get the chance to join a community-organized trip to safely explore the city of Lakeway together with their peers.
If you notice any of the above signs, getting proactive is a sound choice. Start to explore some of the inviting memory care communities that the Bee Cave, TX area has to offer with your loved one. This way you can ensure you can help keep your loved one as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.
Are you looking for more tips on how you can best help your loved one living with dementia? Or perhaps you’d like more information on the next steps to take after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and what care options are out there? We have a comprehensive guide for you, The Caregiver’s Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. This guide can help both you and your family better understand how to best move forward with the care of your loved one. Download it for free here!
