Know the Signs That It’s Time for Memory Care

Early on, your loved one’s Alzheimer’s or dementia may be mild and easy to manage at home. But, as his or her condition changes, your loved one’s care needs change too. As a result, you may start to wonder if it’s time for long-term memory care support.

Your choice is based on many factors, and the timing varies for each family. However, several situations can signal a need for more support. To help you know when a memory care community might be the best place for your loved one, ask yourself these questions.

Have you noticed changes in behavior?

Alzheimer’s and Dementia behaviors can intensify as your loved one’s condition progresses. Maybe you’ve noticed issues with judgment. Your loved one has episodes where he or she is aggressive. Or there’s an increase in confusion or agitation.

Constant behavior struggles cause stress for both you and your loved one. The Family Caregiver Alliance suggests 24-hour care for a loved one who shows signs of memory related behavior issues like poor judgment. For many families, this need is often met by memory care communities. These communities have expert care to help your loved one cope and stay safe.

Has your loved one become isolated?

One effect of dementia as it progresses is increased isolation. Overall, the American Society on Aging says up to 34 percent of people with dementia are isolated. Your loved one may no longer get out due to concerns over agitation or confusion. He or she may become more socially withdrawn or less likely to ask for help.

If you notice this increase in isolation, memory care communities could provide help. It gives your loved one built-in social support and a chance to meet others. Communities also have daily activities to keep your loved one plugged in. Families often find regular social interaction helps improve their loved one’s quality of life.

Are you concerned about mobility and safety?

Mobility has a big effect on safety at home. Reduced mobility puts your loved one especially at risk for falls. Each year, more than 37 million people require medical care after a fall, according to the World Health Organization.

Mobility also affects many self-care and daily tasks. As a caregiver, you may find it difficult to help move your loved one for needs like bathing or toileting. If mobility issues have you constantly worrying about falls and safety, it may be time for a memory care community. These communities are designed specifically to support mobility needs.

Is your loved one wandering?

Wandering is another big safety concern for families. Has your loved on woken up confused and wandered around during the night? Or maybe your loved one went for a walk and forget where they were. These situations put your loved one at risk for injury.

Because wandering signals the need for constant supervision, this could be a sign it’s time for memory support. Our Dallas senior living communities have systems in place to create a secure, safe home. This can help ease your concerns about keeping your loved one safe.

Are you having problems with daily living?

You’ve noticed a decline in self-care. Maybe bills have been missed. Or it’s hard to keep up with multiple daily medications. Some people with dementia will also begin to hoard or hide items. All in all, these can lead to an unhealthy living situation.

Even with an at-home caregiver, daily tasks may become too much. Through a memory care community, your loved one will have help with daily living, such as self-care or medication needs. For many, a community helps provide a routine and a stable place where they can thrive.

Are you struggling with caregiver stress?

As a caregiver, you’re concerned about meeting your loved one’s memory care needs. In the same way, don’t forget about your own well-being. From exhaustion to anger, the Alzheimer’s Association says there are many signs of caregiver stress. When you can no longer meet all of your loved one’s care needs, it’s OK to get help.

Ongoing caregiver stress can be a sign that it’s time for a memory care community. Families often decide this is the best way to get their loved one the care he or she deserves. By turning over day-to-day caregiving tasks, it allows you to focus on enjoying quality time with your loved one.

Help to navigate memory care

If you answered yes to any of these questions, Walnut Place can help. Contact our Dallas senior living community to learn more about our dedicated care designed for people with memory care needs.

We’re here to help you navigate the important decisions about providing support for your aging parent. Call (214) 361-8923 and see how we may be able to help.