Are you caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? You may be wondering if the time could arrive when more care is needed than can be provided for at home.
How do you know if it’s time for memory care? While each individual’s experience is unique, we can help. There are several clues that it may be time to begin searching for a more advanced level of care.
When is it time for memory care?
Families often turn to a senior living memory care community when skilled care is needed or a loved one’s quality of life is declining. It can be very difficult to provide the activities, social interaction, healthy dining and security required for someone living with dementia.
However, families often worry they won’t recognize the signs when they should engage with a community. The following may indicate that more help is needed:
1. Safety and security have become an issue
Those living with dementia are at a higher risk of wandering or becoming lost, even during the early stages of the disease. If home renovations or constant supervision is needed, it may be time for memory care.
Communities lessen this anxiety by designing the communities to keep the residents secure while not placing unnecessary restrictions on independence and movement.
2. Days are filled with inactivity and restlessness
Does your loved one enjoy stimulating, interesting or fun activities and social events? Or are the days spent alone or with little to do?
A memory care community provides quality programs for the residents to participate in and can further tailor them to meet the abilities and preferences of the individual.
3. Dining is becoming more difficult
When is it time for memory care? One sign is when it becomes more difficult to maintain healthy dining and appeal to the appetite and abilities of one living with dementia.
Memory care communities provide relaxing dining rooms, assistance from skilled staff and special place settings and utensils to help your loved one not only eat nutritiously but to enjoy the experience as well.
4. The individual and the caregiver are becoming socially isolated
Have you noticed your loved one and the caregiver remaining mostly at home, alone, and becoming more isolated? If there is an uncomfortableness interacting with others or it has become more difficult to manage trips outside of the home, it might be time to consider memory care.
Communities provide opportunities for socializing with others. They are also staffed and can provide day trips and outings so those living with dementia are encouraged to remain engaged.
5. Increasing assistance is needed with daily activities
Your loved one may need increasing levels of help with bathing, dressing or grooming. Managing medication or participating in activities may also become more difficult, indicating that it might be time for memory care.
Communities provide each resident with a highly and specially trained staff to assist with daily tasks, as well as providing positive interactions and responses to preferences or needs.
6. Frustration and anxiety levels are increasing
As dementia progresses, caregivers may find it more difficult to manage alone. Behavior and reactions can also change rapidly, requiring constant adaptation. These common circumstances can point to the realization that it might be time for memory care.
The trained staff at a memory community is skilled in the best practices of dementia care and is well experienced in responding to or diminishing anxiety and frustration.
7. Sleep is becoming more of a challenge
Sleep disruption often occurs when living with dementia. Unfortunately, when the individual is unable to sleep or remain in bed, it is unlikely that the caregiver is also able to get the needed rest.
A memory care community creates an environment conducive to getting a good night’s sleep. The community is also staffed 24/7 so even if a resident is awake, family members can rest assured that their loved one is well cared for.
8. The caregiver’s health is beginning to suffer
When is it time for memory care? Often when the health of the caregiver begins to decline – either physically or mentally. It’s critical, yet often difficult, to provide adequate respite so caregivers can get a break and attend to their own needs.
A memory community provides a high level of care, allowing caregivers the opportunity to pay attention to their own health and other responsibilities.
The Charleston Senior Living Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions, contact us today.
We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Memory Care.
