Are you struggling as your loved one develops significant memory impairment or dementia? It’s not uncommon to feel stuck, or even guilty, when deciding next steps for treatment and memory care. However, as dementia progresses loved ones are more likely to fall, wander away, or create hazardous situations in the home.
Caregivers also experience impacts created by memory impairment. They may feel irritable or impatient, or unable to handle the physical demands of caring for their loved one. They may neglect their work, families, or even themselves. The eventual need for 24-hour supervision and care may be more than they can provide. These are all indicators that it is time to begin looking for assistance.
Getting care sooner than later is key to maintaining the highest quality of life possible.
One of the greatest acts of love for a person with memory impairment is seeking help and support from skillful memory care specialists. We understand the needs of both our residents and their families. Memory care is long-term, and designed to meet the unique and challenging needs of a person facing memory problems.
Waiting too long can have negative impacts. A fall or other injury that results in a hospital stay can mean a person with memory impairment may require long-term, skilled nursing care. Once a person requires skilled medical care, an assisted living facility may not be able to accept them as a resident. These facilities can be significantly more expensive than an assisted living facility.
Here are some other tips on what to look for and ask when seeking help for memory care:
- What type of training does the staff receive? Do they specialize in memory care?
- Do they provide palliative care or other medical services?
- Are there planned social activities and a dedicated staff to engage and interact with residents?
- Does the facility communicate with medical providers? How do they share medical information with family members?
- Do they offer emotional support and guidance for family members?
Helping a loved one with memory impairment can be emotionally exhausting. Recognizing the need and finding help for both you and your loved one are paramount to ensuring the health and safety for all. Our memory care facility provides medication management, bathing and grooming assistance, meals, housekeeping, companionship, and most importantly, 24-hour supervision.
Don’t wait until a crisis occurs. Schedule a tour of our memory care home and receive a free copy of Gary LeBlanc’s book Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Behaviors.
