One of the biggest challenges in caring for an older person is managing memory loss. Some people eventually require memory care to address related issues and symptoms.
Memory care is a kind of specialized assisted living for people suffering from memory loss, often caused by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care features personalized assistance designed to help those suffering from memory loss.
If you’re wondering when memory care is appropriate or when a dementia patient should go to memory care, read on to learn more.
When Is Memory Care Appropriate?
It is important to remember that memory care is a specialized type of care, and may not be necessary or appropriate for all types of seniors in need of care. Memory care is right for older people who have trouble completing daily tasks due to memory loss.
If an elderly loved one needs assistance due to poor motor skills, an injury, or other ailments, memory care is unnecessary. As a caregiver or loved one, it is important to understand the root cause of the elderly person’s difficulty, as the care required to assist with memory loss is much different than the care required to assist with other health ailments.
When Does Someone Need Memory Care?
There’s not a universal way to know when memory care is needed. While each situation is different, just because someone is suffering from memory problems doesn’t necessarily mean they need memory care. Many patients can live independently or with in-home support from family members or a paid caregiver.
However, there may come a point when you or the caregiver becomes overwhelmed and can no longer provide the care the patient needs. In addition, if memory problems are becoming progressively worse and starting to pose a danger to the patient or those around them, that is a situation where someone needs memory care.
Signs It’s Time for Memory Care
Knowing when your loved one needs memory care can be difficult. When it comes to aging and memory loss, every person and situation is different. There can be subtle differences between occasionally forgetting important things and real memory problems. Below are five indicators that it may be time to consider memory care.
1. An Alzheimer’s or Dementia Diagnosis
An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis is often just the beginning of the road for elderly people. Unfortunately, these conditions tend to worsen over time, and most patients experience severe memory loss that will inhibit their everyday lives.
Once a diagnosis is given, start thinking about memory care. Exploring options early on is the best way to ensure that you will find a reputable facility in your area. Additionally, it is better to transition individuals from home into memory care facilities before more severe symptoms of these diseases surface.
2. Decline in Health
As memory loss progresses, doing everyday things like driving a car, preparing food, or taking medications can get more difficult or dangerous. In addition, losing track of hours or days can severely impact a person’s sleep cycle, taking a toll on their overall health. If you notice any of these changes in addition to memory loss, it is time to start considering memory care:
- They experience unintentional weight loss.
- They’re not taking their medication.
- You notice a decline in their hygiene.
- They’re experiencing a lack of sleep.
- They keep a lack of food in the home.
- They begin missing appointments.
- Their bills begin to go unpaid.
While it may be easy to write off small things, it is better to seek help from a memory care facility sooner than later.
3. Safety Is Becoming More of a Concern
While safety is always a concern for older adults, it is time to seek memory care if you are becoming increasingly worried that your loved one is not safe taking care of themselves. Examples of safety hazards to watch out for include:
- Burners or appliances that have been left on.
- They start wandering off and getting lost.
- They’re forgetting to take care of pets.
- Unexplained bruises or injuries appear on their body.
Answering the question “when does someone need memory care?” can be a difficult one, and you may worry about how to discuss it with your loved one. But if the safety of your loved one is truly at risk, don’t hesitate.
4. Your Instincts Are Telling You It’s Time
You know your loved ones better than anyone else. While a doctor or professional staff can conduct exams and make recommendations, if your gut tells you it is time to seek memory care, it probably is.
Many family members of memory care patients said they wished they had listened to their instincts earlier. If you have hesitations about pursuing memory care, you can always schedule an in-home assessment with a professional to assess the situation and determine whether home care is an option.
These are the most common signs it’s time for memory care. However, it is always good to consult regularly with a doctor, as they are trained to pick up more subtle signs of memory impairment and can answer “when is memory care appropriate?” best.
Find In-Home Memory Care Today
If you have a loved one who needs in-home care in the Maryland and DC area, take the first step towards peace of mind and contact Advanced Nursing + Home Support today. We can help with the difficult decisions and guide you through finding the best memory care for your situation.To learn more about the in-home care services provided by our team of certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia care specialists, contact us online or by phone at 240-624-7834 today!
