When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Key Signs
According to the Alzheimer's Association, Wisconsin is home to 110,000 people living with Alzheimer's and dementia.
If you've got a relative dealing with the effects of aging, you may have already sought out the help of an assisted living community. These services help those dealing with age-related health problems manage their issues in a residential setting.
When someone begins showing signs of cognitive decline, assisted living isn't enough. Knowing when to move from assisted living to memory care is essential to getting them the care they need during this difficult time.
Today, we'll go over the assisted living to memory care move. Keep reading and you'll know the signs that a senior is ready for a memory care transition and how to handle it tactfully.
Assisted Living vs Memory Care
Assisted living and memory care are both essential services. One is best for seniors dealing with normal age-related health problems. These include things like mobility issues and various illnesses.
The other is geared specifically towards managing Alzheimer's. Here, we'll look at the features of both types of senior care:
Features of Assisted Living
Assisted living is designed for older adults who can still manage most of their daily activities. This type of care offers support with tasks like bathing/dressing and medication management.
Residents have their own apartments and can enjoy social activities and communal dining. Assisted living focuses on promoting independence while providing necessary assistance.
One of the key benefits of assisted living is the balance between support and autonomy. Residents can maintain their personal routines and have privacy, which enhances their quality of life.
The community setting encourages social interactions, reducing feelings of isolation. Additionally, residents have access to on-site amenities and activities.
Features of Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized form of senior living tailored for individuals with dementia. It provides a secure environment to prevent wandering and ensures 24/7 support.
Memory care staff are trained to handle the unique needs of those with memory loss. It offers structured routines and cognitive therapies. This type of care emphasizes safety and mental engagement.
The benefits of memory care extend beyond safety. The structured environment helps reduce anxiety and confusion for residents, offering a sense of stability.
Staff members are skilled in dementia care techniques. They prove personalized attention that can improve residents' daily experiences.
Memory care communities also offer therapeutic activities. These are designed to stimulate cognitive function and slow the progression of memory loss, enhancing overall well-being.
When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care
There will be clear signs your relative needs to move from assisted living to memory care. You may notice some of these signs yourself or you may be notified of them by assisted living staff.
Forgetting Recent Events
One common sign of dementia is difficulty remembering recent events. Your loved one might forget conversations from the same day or where they placed items. This short-term memory loss can interfere with their daily life and safety.
Forgetting Friends and Family
When someone begins to forget familiar faces, it's a strong indicator that memory care may be needed. They may not recognize long-time friends or even close family members. This can be distressing for everyone involved and signals a need for more specialized support.
Withdrawing from Social Activity
A decline in social engagement is another warning sign. If your loved one who once enjoyed group activities now avoids them or becomes more isolated, it might be due to anxiety from memory issues. Withdrawal can worsen feelings of loneliness and confusion.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are common in dementia patients. They may experience sudden changes in emotions without clear reasons. These unpredictable shifts can make it challenging to manage their care in an assisted living setting.
Getting Lost Outside the Community
Wandering is a serious concern for individuals with dementia. If your loved one frequently gets lost in familiar areas, this is a sign that they need a more secure environment.
Impulsive Behavior
Inappropriate comments or sudden decisions can be a sign of cognitive decline. This behavior can be difficult to manage where residents have more freedom. Memory care offers the structure needed to handle impulsivity safely.
Delusions
Delusions or false beliefs are another sign that dementia has taken hold. They may believe things that aren't true, like thinking they're in danger or that someone is stealing from them.
Speech Issues
Struggling to find the right words or form coherent sentences is a common dementia symptom. As communication becomes harder, the support provided in memory care can help maintain their quality of life.
Memory Care Transition Tips
Transitioning a loved one from assisted living to memory care is a delicate process. Start by having open and honest conversations about the need for more in-depth care. It's essential to approach these discussions with empathy, focusing on their safety and well-being.
Familiarizing them with the new setting can reduce anxiety and make the transition smoother. Keep personal items and favorite belongings in their new room to create a sense of familiarity.
Stay involved throughout the transition. Attend initial meetings with the care team to discuss your loved one's preferences and routines.
Regular visits and consistent communication can help your loved one adjust and feel supported. Patience and reassurance are key during this time.
Senior care transitions can be made easier when your assisted living community also has memory care. Ramsey Woods offers just this.
Choose Ramsey Woods for Your Dementia Care Needs
Knowing when to move from assisted living to memory care can be tricky. When your services are all under the same roof, the entire process is easier for everyone.
Ramsey Woods is the premier option for both assisted living and memory care in Cudahy, WI. Our amazing staff is highly trained in caring for various conditions, including Alzheimer's. They provide compassionate care and unique care plans for all residents.
Our amenities include movie nights and plenty of leisure around the community. When you choose us, your loved one will enjoy the highest possible standard of living. Contact us today to book your tour.