Hearing that your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can take a toll on your family. However, both diagnoses are gradual, and it may be years before you start to notice prominent changes.
When those changes occur, it may be time to consider moving your family member from assisted living to a memory care arrangement. But how will you know when the time is right? We list five things to look for below to help you know when you should make the move.
They Communicate Less
If you have noticed that your once chatty family member has become less and less so, it may be a sign that they are ready to move to a memory care unit. Often you will notice a decrease in communication when Alzheimer’s and Dementia start to worsen. For some, this may occur due to confusion, whereas others will exhibit limited communication due to a reduction in their cognitive ability.
Inability To Manage Tasks
In assisted living, many residents can perform many of their daily tasks independently. When you notice that your loved one has difficulty doing things they once had no problems completing, such as paying bills or preparing meals, you may want to consider moving them to a different level of care.
Doctor Recommendation
For some families, hearing from their loved one’s doctor and care team that their Alzheimer’s or Dementia has gotten to a stage where they need additional care is what it takes to acknowledge that the time for memory care has come.
Those experienced in the field can recognize the stages more easily than family members. This reason is due to them knowing what to look for, but it is also because it can be more difficult for family members to acknowledge that their loved one is declining.
Depression
Often, when a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia is experiencing an increase in symptoms, it can lead to depression. If you notice that your family member isn’t displaying joy in things they once did or that they require coaxing to participate in outings or activities, it may be due to depression. This diagnosis may be a turning point for your family where a transition is necessary.
Increase In Daily Care
As Alzheimer’s and Dementia progresses, it can be difficult for individuals to function on their own. Many will start to wander around outdoors and will not be able to remember the route to get back home. Others may find themselves leaving stoves on or doors unlocked.
When these behaviors start showing up, it is in your loved one’s best interest to move them to a memory care unit for better observation.
In Summary
Moving from assisted living to memory care can be hard on both the loved one and their family. However, memory care is better equipped and trained to care for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Are you interested in learning more about the structure and care at our facility? Learn more about our Three Levels of Memory Care and use the ‘Talk to Us’ button in the top right corner of this page to get in touch with us!
