When To Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care
Your loved one may be dealing with memory loss and other cognitive challenges while residing in assisted living. One of the hardest parts is seeing them go through something that requires a different kind of care. While your loved one is enjoying social opportunities, supportive services, and an active lifestyle, things can still change.
As dementia or Alzheimer’s disease progresses, memory care becomes the better option because assisted living is no longer the ideal fit. That’s when you and your family can have the all-important discussion of when your loved one needs to be moved from assisted living to memory care. While an emotionally challenging conversation, you will have peace of mind knowing your loved one will get the additional care and support they need.
Escalating Behavioral or Emotional Changes
As dementia progresses, you will notice emotional responses and behavior changes from your loved one. Their care staff may also notice this as well over a period of time. Your loved one may experience agitation, anxiety, withdrawal, or frustration whenever their environment feels overwhelming. The care staff at assisted living communities will notify you of these changes if and when necessary while also providing support for changing needs.
There will come a point in time when the transition from assisted living to memory care can move forward. One thing to be aware of is that the latter has specially trained staff that can assist your loved one with proper communication, redirection strategies, and calming techniques to name a few. Personalization is incredibly important at this stage.
You will be discussing your loved one’s history, preferences, and triggers with care staff. This way, they can use this information to determine how their care plan is drawn up and utilized every day. With this specialized approach, their daily lives are more comfortable and you have more peace of mind knowing your loved one is being cared for.
Increasing Difficulty With Daily Activities
Assisted living is known for providing your loved one with assistance for such needs like bathing, dressing, medication management, hygiene, and daily routines. As memory conditions tend to progress, the needs can intensify. For example, your loved one may be resisting care, forgetting steps during their normal tasks, or becoming overwhelmed with simple activities. If daily living gets to a point where such tasks require more frequent or specialized support, memory care will be the better option moving forward.
Social Needs Are No Longer Being Met
Another excellent benefit to assisted living is the social lifestyle such as the events, meals with friends, the number of programs available to participate in, and the meaningful community life. As memory loss progresses, seniors may stop participating in such activities while also feeling isolated or struggling to connect. That’s where memory care communities can be a better fit.
While they are designed differently, they are created to provide a structured, therapeutic environment for those dealing with memory loss. Plus, it helps them engage in ways where it feels achievable and joyful such as sensory activities, music therapy, and other memory-enhancing activities. Such specialized engagement can help improve their quality of life significantly.
What If They Live in Independent Living or Cottages?
Your loved one may be living independently in an apartment or cottage. There could come a time where they may need additional assistance with assisted living or memory care being appropriate solutions (depending on what their situation is). Either way, it is important to make sure that you and your loved one have a conversation as early as possible in the event of such needs for assisted living or memory care may arise.
As your loved one enjoys their retirement, their needs can change over time. Even to the point where additional support may be needed. You’ll have confidence knowing that a retirement community that offers assisted living and memory care will make the transition a lot easier for your loved one. It may take a round of discussions with community staff as well as your loved one to determine if such a move from independent living or cottages is the better option.
Make Briarview The Place You Can Trust For Your Loved One
At Briarview Senior Living, we do our best to make sure your loved one is getting the best care and support they need. If they are currently in assisted living and showing possible cognitive concerns, you may want to reach out to us regarding your next steps for transitioning them into memory care. Contact us today for more information.
