When to Move Someone from Assisted Living to Memory Care Assisted Living
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are cognitive illnesses and progressive conditions that worsen over time. As illnesses like these progress, proper care will become necessary. Memory care assisted living facilities are a smart move for those needing 24-hour care and safety.
When is the Right Time to Make the Move?
The answer depends on the unique needs and progression rates of each patient. However, there are some signs to look out for, that can be foreshadowing the need for more consistent care.
Assisted Living vs Memory Care Assisted Living
Choosing between assisted living and memory care is critical if your loved one has a serious medical condition. Although both offers assisted care, picking between the two needs to be thought about carefully.
Level of Care, Activities, and Amenities
Assisted living is an option for seniors requiring assistance in daily activities like bathing, cleaning, meal preparation, and companionship. On the other hand, memory care assisted living is a facility specifically catering to residents with cognitive impairments.
Both have highly skilled and trained staff like nurses and nursing assistants. However, memory care staff have additional training and experience to deal with the residents’ specific needs. From behavioral and mood changes to physical incapabilities, staff members will be able to assist the residents in every need.
Assisted living communities have a greater focus on social and recreational activities. They allow for more freedom and less structure at the will and capabilities of the residents. Memory care facilities provide tailored exercises and activities to cater to the unique needs of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These specialized activities are designed to address the residents’ challenging behaviors and promote better cognitive health.
When it comes to food and nutrition, assisted living provides 3 optional meals a day in a social setting where residents get to mingle with other residents. Memory care facilities prepare specialized meals to ensure residents get the right nutrition to suit their preferences or their current condition.
Environmental Precautions
Lastly, both have 24/7 security, but memory care assisted living communities to have alert systems and wandering-preventive tools. The facility design is also far from other senior housing communities since wandering and falls are common for people with dementia.
As mentioned above, if your loved one is comfortable in the assisted living community or still in the early stages of dementia, assisted living option may be OK. However, if he/she is struggling with daily activities or needs more support, the memory care option is ideal. Again, the choice depends on the current needs of your loved one.
Signs That Someone Needs Memory Care Assisted Living
First, if you constantly worry about your loved one’s safety, it may be best to move to memory care assisted living.
Second, if your loved one shows signs of neglected personal care, this needs to be addressed right away. Body odor and other personal hygiene issues are signs that it is time to move to memory care housing.
Third, if your loved one becomes disoriented, confused, or wakes up in the middle of the night and wanders, they may be at risk. Memory care facilities have highly secure and safe lock systems to keep their residents from wandering.
Lastly, if you notice manifestations of isolation, loneliness, or depression, your loved one might need the help of memory care nurses. They have the experience and tailored approaches that allow residents to feel calm, secure, and relaxed.
Is it time for your loved one to move into memory care? Contact us at Fallbrook Assisted Living for an easy and effective transition.
Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper
