You may notice over time that a loved one may be struggling with daily tasks such as remembering to pick up mail, pay bills or misplacing car keys. Family members, neighbors, and friends may be regularly checking in to make sure everything is OK. However, at some point, you may feel that these forgetful moments or episodes are accumulating and possibly escalating.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the United States, over 5.5 million people have Alzheimer’s which is the most common form of dementia. If family members are unable to care for someone with memory issues, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities are often the next best – if not the only – option. But when is it time to find memory care residential programs?
Memory Care Residential Programs
When dementia sufferers begin to demonstrate certain kinds of behavior that affect their day-to-day living or safety, memory care units have trained staff members to provide specialized support.
Some of the top five issues to look for are:
- Behavior changes.
- Disorientation/confusion that risks physical safety.
- Declines in physical health.
- Deterioration in a caregiver’s ability to cope or provide care.
- Incontinence or toileting problems.
1. Behavior changes.
Swings in moods and behavior are common at certain stages of dementia. When your extroverted mother becomes self-isolated and anti-social or your father, who loves his independence becomes hesitant to drive suddenly, or if a loved one who usually is fastidious becomes unkempt and seemingly unable to perform daily hygiene tasks, it’s important to investigate if more help needs to be offered. Sometimes, people are too embarrassed to admit or to ask for help. Other times, they are not aware that anything has changed, which can signal that a memory care residential program may be the best option.
2. Disorientation/confusion that risks physical safety.
People with dementia can become disoriented and lost on foot, or they may become disoriented driving, risking safety for those around them and themselves. Risks to physical safety for the person with memory issues or to others is sometimes a more imperative sign that memory care is warranted.
3. Declines in physical health.
Sometimes caregivers notice their loved ones lose weight or malnourish if they forget to shop or eat properly. Other times, frailty, changes in blood pressure or other physical vital signs may the the result of skipped medications. Perhaps even more seriously, people with memory issues may take more prescription medicine if they can’t remember taking them in the first place. Along with overt physical safety risks, declines in health are a strong indication that a memory care program could be warranted.
4. Deterioration in a caregiver’s ability to cope or provide care.
Some people with memory issues are cared for by a spouse, significant other or family members, but when the caregiver dies or his or her own health deteriorates, the person who is being cared may need a formal memory care program. Many families – if possible – will try a combination of home health care and shared responsibility for their loved ones. However, but if the situation changes either with the level of need or the ability to provide care, the person with dementia or Alzheimer’s may become more vulnerable.
5. Incontinence or toileting problems.
Many caregivers – family members or hired providers – feel overwhelmed if incontinence begins to be problematic. Whether it’s too much time, difficult to lift the individual, or just not a task they are able to handle, toileting issues are often a precursor for looking for a memory care residential program.
Finding the Right Memory Care Program
Some people who may need memory care are already in assisted living or even independent living such as Cadbury Commons. The advantage to this arrangement is often important because it lessens the stress to move to a memory care area, and staff members are trained in working with people who need additional care with day-to-day living. If considering moving a loved one from a family home to a memory care program, Cadbury Commons provides security, structure and personal care services to enhance the quality of life for each resident as well as inclusive enrichment activities. Learn more about our memory care program >
