When is the Right Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

When is the Right Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Making the decision to move an aging loved one can be difficult, especially if they’ve made a move already. The thought of moving your loved one from assisted living to memory care can feel like another big change to overcome. However, the long-term benefits of making the transition can give your loved one the specialized care they need to feel supported, safe, and secure. 

Key indicators that your loved one in assisted living might benefit from memory care:

1. Escalating Safety Concerns From Memory Challenges

While assisted living offers support for daily activities, memory care specifically focuses on safety and security tailored for cognitive decline. 

• Wandering – If your loved one is frequently attempting to leave the community unsupervised or is easily disoriented, the security of a memory care community is essential. Avalon Memory Care communities are equipped with magnetic door locks, secured patios, and easy-to-navigate communities. 
• Increased Risk of Falls – As cognitive function declines, the risk of falls and injuries rises. Our care focuses on support to the unique needs of individuals facing memory-related challenges, allowing us to better address mobility, balance, and disorientation that can affect fall risk. 

2. Significant Behavioral and Emotional Challenges due to Dementia

Memory loss and cognitive impairment can manifest in various ways, often leading to emotional distress or challenging behaviors assisted living teams may not be trained to handle.

• Agitation, Anxiety, or Aggression – Uncharacteristic irritability, resistance to care, or episodes of agitation are clear signs that a new approach may be needed. At Avalon Memory Care, our teams are trained to understand the root cause of these behaviors (often fear, confusion, or unmet needs) and respond with patience and specialized techniques.
• Social Withdrawal or Isolation – If your loved one is withdrawing from social activities or appears lonely, a transition may be needed. Our small, home-like atmosphere is designed to foster a family feel, encouraging a sense of togetherness that reduces the isolation often seen in institutional settings. Additionally, our activities and events are specifically tailored to benefit individuals with memory loss.  

3. Increased Need for Hands-on Assistance with Daily Living

Assisted Living provides support, but there is a stage where the level of assistance required moves beyond what those communities typically provide. This is often where a move to memory care becomes most beneficial.

• Support in Loss of Functionality – Specialized therapy support in a memory care community works to restore and support a resident’s self-esteem, dignity, as well as the resumption of as many personal tasks as they are capable of.
• Help with Personal Care – While tasks like dressing and bathing are usually available with assisted living, specialized dementia care can provide more sensitive care for the physical and emotional needs of residents with memory loss.

Find the Best Next Step for an Aging Loved One with the FAST Scale

Understanding where your loved one is in the progression of their condition is the first step to ensuring they get the right care. The FAST (Functional Assessment Staging Test) scale is a widely recognized, user-friendly tool developed to help determine the stage of cognitive impairment. It measures functional decline, evaluating a person’s ability to perform daily activities and maintain independence.

Take the FAST Scale Survey to gain a clearer understanding of your loved one’s stage in dementia and see if they would benefit from the specialized, compassionate care offered by Avalon Memory Care.Avalon Memory Care is dedicated to providing compassionate dementia care, focusing solely on the unique needs of those with cognitive impairments. We aim to restore vitality, dignity, and daily routines in a family-like atmosphere. Schedule a tour of Avalon Memory Care to learn more.