Memory Care – What Is It and Why You Should Consider It In 2022!
Memory care facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for seniors with dementia and other memory impairments. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, it is important to know when it is time to consider a memory care facility.
The first sign that your loved one may need care is when they start having difficulty completing everyday tasks. If your loved ones can no longer bathe or dress, or if they are forgetting to eat or take their medication, it may be time to consider a memory care facility.
Another sign that your loved one may need memory care is if they become agitated or aggressive. If your loved one starts exhibiting these behaviors, it can be difficult for them and for those around them. A memory care facility can provide a structured environment where your loved one is safe, while still being able to enjoy activities they enjoy.
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What Can Memory Care Help With?
Memory care facilities provide specific services for seniors with dementia and memory impairments, including:
- Companionship and socialization
- Daily activity schedules designed to manage behavior and stimulate the mind
- Safe wandering prevention programs that ensure your loved one remains safe and secure at all times
- Meals tailored to meet nutritional needs of seniors with dementia
When Is It Time To Look For These Facilities?
Of course, every family is different. However, here are some signs it may be time to consider a memory care facility:
1. Behavioral Changes in Your Loved One
As mentioned above, behavioral changes such as forgetfulness or unpredictable mood swings can be a sign of early-stage dementia. If it has been several months since you first noticed any changes in your loved one’s behavior, it may be time for a more detailed evaluation.
2. Difficulty completing everyday tasks
If your loved one is having trouble with activities such as bathing, dressing, or cooking, they may need more help than you are able to provide. Memory care facilities offer assistance with all activities of daily living, so your loved one can continue to live safely and comfortably.
3. Limited social interaction
A lack of social interaction can be harmful to seniors with dementia. A memory care facility provides a safe environment where your loved one can interact with others who have similar conditions. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
4. Poor diet or nutrition
Seniors with dementia are at risk for malnutrition due to their condition and because they may no longer remember to eat regularly. Memory care facilities offer meal services and snacks that meet all of your loved one’s nutritional needs.
5. Frequent falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors, and seniors with dementia are at even greater risk of falling both inside and outside of their homes. A memory care facility can ensure your loved one remains safe at all times by providing adequate supervision and ensuring doors and windows cannot be opened or removed from windowsills.
6. Erratic behavior
As mentioned above, an agitated state can make it difficult for others to care for your loved one safely. A memory care facility provides a structured environment to help reduce agitation while still allowing your loved ones to enjoy activities they love.
7. Limited communication
Losing the ability to communicate is often one of the most heartbreaking symptoms of dementia. Memory care facilities offer various forms of communication, such as sign language or picture boards, to help your loved one connect with caregivers and other residents.
8. Poor hygiene
Memory care facilities offer assistance with bathing, grooming, and dental care to ensure your loved one remains clean and healthy.
9. Repeated hospitalizations
If your loved one has been hospitalized more than once in the past six months due to a health complication related to their dementia, it may be time for them to move into a memory care facility. A memory care facility can provide around-the-clock care and supervision to help reduce the risk of additional hospitalization.
10. Decline in physical health
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and limited access to medical care all contribute to a decline in your loved one’s overall health. A memory care facility can provide nutritious meals and snacks, assist with doctor’s appointments, and even administer medication as prescribed by your loved one’s doctor.
Conclusion
If you are considering a memory care facility for a loved one, it is important to do your research and find the right fit. Each facility offers different services and amenities, so be sure to ask questions and tour several facilities before making a decision. Ultimately, the most important thing is that your loved ones feels safe and comfortable in their new surroundings.
