Changing living situations can be difficult for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or dementia due to the slow progression of the disease. Even if your gut tells you it’s getting worse, your mind and heart may argue otherwise. With the guilt and emotions that can accompany putting a loved one in memory care, the decision becomes even more difficult.
For someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, delaying action can be harmful. For one thing, the odds increase that something may happen to your loved one when you’re not there. But that’s not the only reason. In the field of memory care, research is paving the way for new, innovative techniques.
6 Signs A Loved One Needs Memory Care
Numerous studies have shown that moving people with Alzheimer’s or dementia into memory care communities sooner rather than later results in better health outcomes mentally, physically, and emotionally.
The following are five clear signs it’s the right time for memory care.
1. You worry about your loved one’s safety all the time
If you are constantly worried about your loved one’s safety, it may be time to consider memory care. In memory care communities, staff members are specially trained to meet the needs of people with dementia and to keep them safe at all times.
2. You worry about your own safety
Many people with dementia experience significant personality changes and can become confused or agitated, which can lead to violence or threats of violence. Memory care communities understand these symptoms and know how to help your loved one work through them in a more productive way.
3. You are exhausted
Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically draining, and caregiver burnout is very real. For many caregiving alone is not sustainable for caregivers, as they often neglect their own health.
4. Your loved one is neglecting finances
If your loved one lives alone, pay attention to their mail. Are you seeing late notices or unpaid bills? What about creditor and collection notices? The neglect of finances is one of the first signs of dementia and can put the financial stability of your loved one at risk because it leaves them open to financial scams.
5. Your loved one is neglecting personal care
Other indicators that it may be time to move to memory care include unwashed or wrinkled clothing, body odor, uncut hair, and other issues related to personal hygiene. This could mean your loved one is not attending their hair and nail appointments, forgetting to bathe and wash. This could be a sign of dementia.
6. You want to restore your relationship with your loved one
As dementia progresses, you have become your loved one’s caregiver. Now you spend more time leading their care than doing anything else. It has changed your relationship. With memory care, you can reverse this relationship so that you are able to spend time with your loved one doing the things you love while someone else handles the professional care.
If it’s time to move your loved one into memory care, consider Dellwood Gardens. We have secure memory care apartments which provide a safe and caring environment for seniors needing support. To request more information, or to schedule a tour, please contact our Director of Marketing & Hospitality, Lindsay Schmidt, at lschmidt@dellwoodgardens.com or 651.444.5716.