Meaningful Connections Part Four: Understanding Your Options For Care

Cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can develop gradually, which means that, for a time at least, your loved one can still live independently with minimal care. However, it will reach a point when professional memory care is needed – but that exact “time” is hard to pinpoint and is different for each individual. If your loved one seems to be functioning well, it may be hard to decide to move him or her. But experts say that by mid-stage of the disease, 24/7 care and supervision is usually needed in order to keep your loved one safe. Here are some questions to ask to determine if a move to memory care might be the right decision:

Is my loved one unsafe at home? Have there been incidents of wandering, falling or other concerning signs? Is Mom or Dad starting to forget things like locking the door or turning off the stove?
Is their health at risk? As dementia progresses, there are very real physical issues that arise. Is your loved one showing signs of paranoia, aggression, dehydration, or incontinence?
Is the task of caring for my loved one too much? Have the needs of your loved one progressed to the point where being a caregiver is a full-time job? Is your loved one becoming completely dependent on you for eating, dressing, bathing and other tasks of daily living? Are you becoming burned out as a caregiver?
Would my loved one benefit from professional care and social interaction? Would your loved one benefit from the activities, care and opportunities available at a community designed for the unique needs of individuals with dementia?

Deciding On the Right Care Option

If you have decided that your loved one could benefit from professional memory care, you have different options to consider.

In-home care services allow your loved one to stay in their familiar home while receiving high-quality, professional, care. Helpers can be available a few days a week, certain times each day or around-the-clock. Each option, of course, is increasingly expensive and may require modifications to make your home safe for your loved one.

Combined assisted living/memory care communities or continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) are senior living communities that offer a memory care unit (SCU) on-campus, either as a separate wing, floor or nearby location. These types of communities can be great choices for individuals who are in the early stages of dementia or seniors who have a family history of dementia. Being in a progressive-type community allows your loved one to enjoy the benefits of living as independently as possible with the potential for additional, professional memory care when and as needed.

Dedicated memory care communities, such as Avalon Memory Care, are specialized. Designed to be smaller in size and exclusively with memory care in mind, communities often provide shared living areas and family style dining options. The teams at memory care communities receive specialized training in caring for individuals with memory issues, offering programs and activities designed for those with dementia and other types of memory loss. Communities such as Avalon Memory Care provide residents with a secure, home-like environment that offers all the comforts of home.

For over 25 years, Avalon has specialized in only memory services and prides itself on its individualized programing. Our team understands each person is unique and our goal is to provide meaningful living each and every day.

Making the best decision for your loved one’s future can at times be daunting. We are here to help and answer your questions. Call us today at (972) 713-1383.

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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