Essential Signs That Your Loved One Needs Memory Care Services
According to the WHO, more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia. It's the seventh leading cause of death and can result from a wide range of diseases or injuries.
When a loved one develops dementia, it can leave families wondering what to do and how to best take care of them. After all, someone with very mild dementia may not feel comfortable giving up their independence and moving into a home.
Here are some of the most important signs that your loved one needs to move into a community with memory care services.
Early Dementia Signs
Early detection of dementia is key to monitoring the condition and managing its various changes. Memory loss symptoms include disruption of daily life, challenges in problem-solving, general confusion, and vision difficulties.
Everyone presents somewhat differently, though, so it's crucial to stay aware of how it progresses.
Memory Loss Disrupts Daily Life
The first sign of dementia is if your loved one starts to forget basic things. Maybe they forget recently learned information or forget important dates or events.
A little bit of memory loss or lapses in memory are normal, but too many instances are problematic. Your loved one might feel frustrated at many of the things they've forgotten. They might endanger themselves if they leave something like the stove on or the tap running.
While there are ways to manage memory loss, it'll only get worse over time.
Challenges in Planning or Problem-Solving
Individuals with early dementia often find it challenging to develop or follow a plan. That includes something like a recipe or balancing a checkbook. Many of these activities require planning a few steps ahead, which can be difficult for someone with memory issues.
On top of that, a senior with dementia can find it difficult to concentrate. It'll take longer to perform tasks that they previously completely with ease. Their inability to perform these tasks can lead to irritability and anxiety.
Confusion With Time or Place
You may find that your loved one is increasingly confused about dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They might not understand that months have gone by since a birthday or that a holiday is right around the corner. Even worse is if they show increased confusion when taken to a new place and they've forgotten how they got there.
A more minor sign of early dementia is when your loved one misplaces their belongings. You'll notice this more immediately if they normally remember where their things are at all times.
Difficulty in Understanding Visual Images
Visual problems are one of the least known issues related to dementia. Someone showing early signs might have difficulty reading, judging distances, or determining colors. All of these issues can have a direct effect on a person's driving ability as well as their ability to use other heavy machinery.
The Importance of Memory Care Services
Loved ones and caregivers may wonder what memory care services are and why they're important. After all, a caregiver might feel like they can handle their parent with dementia on their own. However, they get many benefits when they rely on professional memory care services.
Specialized Care Plans
Senior living communities that offer memory care provide specialized care plans for each resident. Some residents may only need minor assistance, such as help managing medication, assistance with daily activities, or regular health check-ups.
Other residents might need more hands-on attention, such as guidance from one activity to another or monitoring to keep them from wandering off.
In addition, memory care services include cognitive therapies that may help to slow the progression of their illness. That includes regular socialization with other residents with similar conditions.
Secure Environments
The problem with caring for a senior with dementia at home is that you can't watch them at all times. You'll eventually need to sleep or use the restroom, which means your loved one can wander off or get themselves into trouble. There's only so much you can do to improve home safety.
A major benefit of a memory care community is that it provides a secure environment. They do so with a combination of locked doors, enclosed outdoor spaces, and trained staff.
Knowing your loved one is in a space space can bring peace of mind to their family members. Only approved individuals can visit and interact with them.
Tailored Activities
Residents in memory care gain access to activities designed to engage residents and promote socialization. These activities could include anything from board games to gardening.
An assisted living community also encourages routine and structure, which is helpful for those with dementia. That way, they won't suffer from confusion or anxiety like they might at home.
When to Seek Help
As a caregiver, the best way to know when to seek professional help is by assessing how well you can do your job and how much assistance your loved one requires. Even if you do everything perfectly, it might not be enough.
For example, your loved one might become far too erratic when they get confused. They could be in danger of hurting themselves or the people around them.
If your loved one withdraws or becomes depressed, then you may struggle to pull them out of it. Social isolation will only make their condition worse.
Alzheimer's Care Options
Senior living communities provide care for elderly parents that they can't get at home. When selecting an assisted living community, it's important to figure out what your loved one needs.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) allow residents to age in place and receive increasing levels of care as needed. Residential care homes are much smaller and provide more focused care.
There are also in-home memory care services for families who aren't ready to separate themselves from their loved ones.
Explore Memory Care Services Near You
Most people don't like to admit that they need professional memory care services. However, it's for the benefit of both seniors and their loved ones for them to get advanced help.
Addington Place of Mount Pleasant is an assisted living community that includes memory care services and respite care. We focus on reducing your stress and at-home obligations while residents gain access to a range of amenities. Contact us to learn more and set up your first visit.