Is your loved one experiencing memory impairment issues lately? Have you taken them to a doctor and looked for potential diagnosis? If yes, and you feel that professional care is necessary, then memory care can be a safe spot.
If the health is declining, assisted living can offer plenty of benefits. But sometimes, patients need to make a transition from assisted living to memory care when the issues get worse. The only issue in this whole scenario is the toll that it takes upon the residents.
So, how should you navigate the whole memory care and assisted living transition without making sure your loved ones do not fall apart? In this blog, we will discuss this and much more.
What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities?
Those of you who do not have much knowledge about senior living facilities do get confused between memory care assisted living. Let’s learn about them more and get a clear understanding of what each of them really is:
Level of Care
- Assisted living provides support with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
- Memory care offers high-level care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments.
Staff Training
- Assisted living staff are trained to assist with basic needs and support independent living.
- Memory care staff receive additional training to manage the unique challenges associated with cognitive decline, including behavioral changes and memory loss.
Facility Layout
- Assisted living facilities resemble traditional apartment-style living with communal areas.
- Memory care facilities are designed with secured environments, special layouts to reduce confusion, and safety measures to prevent wandering.
Signs It’s Time to Make the Transition From Assisted Living to Memory Care
Navigating assisted living with memory care is quite a hassle for a resident. This is where you can come in and help them decide on the transition from assisted living to memory care, which is a difficult choice to make. But how can you be sure that the transition is the right choice? Here are a few signs that you should look out for to know whether you are right or not:
Assisted Living Recommends the Move
One of the most straightforward signs that a transition may be necessary is when the assisted living facility itself recommends it. Staff members at these facilities monitor residents’ behavior and health closely, and they can often recognize when a resident’s cognitive decline requires specialized care. If the facility suggests memory care, it is worth seriously considering the recommendation.
Not Being Able to Express Physical Challenges
Seniors with dementia often lose the capability to communicate their physical challenges. They may be experiencing discomfort, pain, or other health issues but are unable to articulate what’s wrong. This can lead to untreated medical conditions or accidents like falls. By opting for memory care facilities near me, you can equip your loved ones to monitor and manage these challenges more effectively, all while living close to you.
Psychological Needs Are Not Being Met
Due to such changes within cognitive function, residents with dementia can easily become anxious, aggressive, or depressed in assisted living. In cases where their emotional and psychological needs have not been taken into consideration, memory care would be more supportive for the residents. The activities and therapies offered at a memory care facility will be more specialized toward cognitive impairments, hence making it easier for the residents to stress less and improve their emotional disposition.
When Safety Becomes a Concern
One of the primary reasons families choose memory care is the safety of their loved ones. Individuals with dementia are at greater risk of wandering, getting lost, or injuring themselves. Assisted living facilities may not have the necessary precautions in place to keep residents safe as their cognitive abilities deteriorate. Memory care facilities, however, are designed with secured spaces and monitored exits to prevent wandering and ensure safety.
Deteriorating Health
As cognitive conditions progress, overall health can also decline. Residents may struggle with self-care, forget to eat, or become prone to infections. If a loved one’s physical health is noticeably worsening and requires more comprehensive medical attention, it may be time to transition to a memory care facility where specialized staff can provide the necessary medical and personal care.
3 Transition Tips For Moving
Making the move from assisted living to a memory care facility is a bit of a hassle. Here are a few tips that make the transition pretty easy:
Keep It Simple
When transitioning to memory care, it’s important to keep things simple. Avoid overwhelming your loved one with too much information about the move all at once. Instead, break it down into small, digestible steps. Along with this, look for “memory care facilities near me” to make sure they don’t feel away from home. On a moving day, bring familiar items from their previous room to help them feel more at home. Personal items like favorite books, family photos, or a comfortable blanket can create a sense of familiarity in the new environment.
Maintain a Steady Routine
Seniors with dementia live by routines. Disruptions in their daily habits make them confused and anxious. During the transition, continue with the same patterns as much as possible. If they have a regular time to eat, for instance, or to do activities, or even to rest, then make sure that these are taken into consideration by the memory care facility and honored just the same.
What Needs Will Be Met
Make sure all of your loved one’s needs will be met within this memory care facility. If your loved one has special needs, such as medication management, physical therapy, or special dietary needs, communicate this to the staff. While memory care facilities can meet these needs, communicating them will allow the staff to accord personalized care.
Conclusion
Transitions from memory care assisted living are never easy to make. Memory care is specifically designed for seniors suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you notice declining health, safety risks, or unmet emotional needs, this could be a point at which you consider transitioning. By knowing the differences between both and some key tips, you can complete this process as smoothly as possible and ensure that your loved one gets the best care.
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