How to Know When It’s Time for Memory Care

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you know that their symptoms progress over a long time, making it hard to know what kind of care they need. At some point, you may find yourself considering memory care for your senior. You may be thinking, “I should be able to handle this.” It is common for family members to experience guilt and grief when they realize they can’t manage the increasing care needs of loved ones with dementia. As much as it hurts to consider moving a loved one from the surroundings they know, handling things yourself isn’t easy, nor is it always the best choice for your loved one.

Typically, memory care is an option for people suffering from mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease or dementia when the condition creates more significant changes and challenges in a person’s life. The disease will eventually progress, and at some point, your loved one will need 24-hour supervision.

If your senior lives alone, it can be harder to see the changes. You may visit and discover that their appearance and environment have changed dramatically, or your loved one may have a medical emergency or a fall. You might worry about your senior’s safety or the safety of others. Many seniors express a desire to live at home for as long as possible, but it’s wise to have a plan in place before a move is necessary. Discussing possible changes before the more significant challenges occur allows your senior to participate in the decision and feel better about the future.

If your loved one lives in a retirement community, professionals who see them frequently can make a note of changes and let you know about signs that your loved one’s memory loss is progressing.

More signs that it’s time to consider memory care include:

Trouble managing medications
Behavioral changes like aggression, agitation, and high anxiety
Wandering or becoming lost while navigating a familiar area
A living environment that’s increasingly unhealthy: hoarding items, trash piling up, unpaid bills
Consistently forgetting appointments and activities
A decline in health or an increase in falls
Mobility problems, vision problems, unhealthy weight loss
Hallucinations, increasingly bad sleep problems
Incontinence
A decline in the health and abilities of the caregiver

Living at home is the goal for many people with dementia, but it may not be the healthiest or safest environment. There are advantages to living in a memory care community designed to keep residents healthy and engaged. Regular meals, customized care plans, activities, and a calming environment can help slow the progression of the disease. Residents have more freedom to explore indoor and outdoor spaces safely and securely. If your family can’t provide these things at home, a memory care community may be the answer.

If you’re wondering if memory care is the right option for your senior, here are some questions that can guide decision making:

Can I provide supervision for my loved one now and in the future, knowing that they will eventually need round-the-clock care?
Is my senior safe at home? Do I worry about them constantly?
Is my senior’s health at risk? As a caregiver, is my health at risk?
Could my senior’s behavior harm anyone else?
What do other family members suggest? What do medical professionals suggest?
How would my senior feel about a move?
Am I balancing my other responsibilities (work, family, myself) with my role as a caregiver?
Is my senior too isolated? Would the interaction and activities at a memory care center benefit them?
Do I have the emotional resources to care for them as their needs increase?
Do I have additional outside support as well?

If memory care is an option for your loved one, professionals advise having these conversations before the more dangerous symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia begin. Moving before the later stages of the condition allows your senior to enjoy the enriching activities and outings that a memory care community offers.

Taking good care of a loved one sometimes means putting their care in the hands of trained specialists like those at Avalon. A daily routine, structure, and stimulation from other residents and staff will only help them, which may help you. A good memory care community will enable you to be part of your loved one’s daily life and participate in their care as needed. And you’ll have a calmer, more enjoyable relationship with your senior and return to enjoying each other’s company.

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/long-term-care

https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/signs-its-time-for-memory-care

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/home-away-home-relocating-your-parents/?via=caregiver-resources,caring-for-another,out-of-home-care

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Testimonials

“Since my mother has lived at Avalon, I have had peace of mind for the first time since Alzheimer’s began to exact its terrible price from my mother’s life. Thank you for your part in making our lives better.”

Daughter | Ft. Worth, TX

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the care and love afforded to my mom over the last two weeks. Your success in finding such quality people has my gratitude and respect.”

Daughter | Dallas, TX

“We are very pleased with all of the efforts that your caring staff has made to smooth this traumatic transition.”

Son | Plano, TX

“I know my husband had the very best care in his final days. I regret that I did not know about Avalon sooner.”

Wife | Dallas, TX

“Mom spent the final 8 months of her life in Avalon Memory Care in Allen. The staff was great. There was rarely a day that my brother or I did not come by and they were always friendly to us and did their best to make mom comfortable and happy. We really appreciated them for everything they did.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“Making the decision to place my mother in residential memory care was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. But living at Avalon has been the best thing for her at this stage of her life.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“My grandmother has lived at Avalon Memory Care for 6 months now. I cannot speak highly enough about the warmth, dedication, and caring compassion of the staff. They always make us feel welcome and go out of their way to work with us to accommodate grandma’s needs.”

Grandson | Arlington, TX

“My grandmother spent her final days at Avalon and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to care for her. The caregivers are attentive and kind, and many of them have been with Avalon for years. If you are looking for a place to love on you and your family in a season that is inevitably difficult, Avalon is a wonderful choice.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX

“We are delighted with the facility of Avalon Memory Care. We just placed Grandma in an apartment with them and couldn’t be happier. It is clean and well-lit, and everyone greets us, down to the folks who clean up.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX