5 Signs Your Loved One May Need Memory Care
As people age, their cognitive functions may decline, pushing them into a vulnerability that needs to be looked after through appropriate care. However, most family caregivers are not well-versed in caring for their loved ones with cognitive impairment or severe memory-related issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
That’s where it becomes necessary for family members to move their loved ones to a dementia care community before their symptoms get worse. As dementia and Alzheimer’s progress with time, the best time to transition your loved one to a memory care community is when you notice the early stages of memory-related issues.
In this post, we’ll look at the early signs of memory-related issues that may indicate that you need to move your loved ones to memory care.
What Is Memory Care?
Unlike independent living or assisted care communities, memory care caters to people with cognitive impairment or severe memory-related issues, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Senior living communities with memory care programs have trained staff members to care for people living with memory loss conditions.
Additionally, a memory care community offers exceptional culinary services alongside housekeeping and laundry, ensuring a maintenance-free lifestyle for its residents. Moreover, residents in a memory care community have access to various social activities, many of which are tailored to improve their physical and mental well-being.
But more importantly, memory care communities integrate extra safety features like secured doors, fire alarms, and handlebars throughout the building, ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents.
5 Signs Your Loved One May Need Memory Care
Although a doctor can run some tests on your loved one to determine if their cognitive impairment has gotten worse, there are no set-in-stone rules for when someone is suitable for full-time dementia care. However, if you come across these signs in your loved one, don’t hesitate to move them to a memory care community.
1. Wandering
Wandering is one of the most prominent signs that your loved one needs to be in a safe environment or perhaps a memory care community. Wandering is a common behavior among people with memory loss issues who are unable to recognize familiar places and faces.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six out of every ten people with Alzheimer’s will wander at least once during the progression of their condition. The longer the person with dementia or Alzheimer’s wanders off, the higher the risk of their mortality. So, if you witness your loved one wandering even once, it is best to transition them to a memory care community.
2. Unsafe Environment or Behavior
When a person is struggling with a memory-related concern like dementia, they may no longer be safe in their own home. From forgetting to turning off the stove to improperly using dangerous tools, certain elements of their home will pose a threat to their safety. In addition to that, violent or aggressive behavior is also a signal that your loved one needs a safer living environment.
3. Unhygienic Habits
People with dementia often forget to take care of their hygiene. They may struggle with self-care activities, such as bathing, using the toilet, brushing teeth, or grooming themselves. A consistent unhygienic lifestyle indicates that your loved one requires a higher level of care to live a quality life.
4. Unexpected Weight Concerns
If your loved one experiences unexpected weight loss, it could be possible that they are forgetting to eat on time and struggling with proper nutrition. In that case, they will more likely benefit from meal plans offered at memory care communities that are designed for those with dementia.
5. Isolation and Loneliness
One of the subtle yet loudest signs your loved one may need memory care is when their social life declines and they experience social isolation. Social isolation and loneliness are the worst enemies of anyone struggling with memory-related issues as they’ll further reduce cognitive functions.
If your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia has very few opportunities to socialize throughout the day, it’s a sign to choose a memory care community for them, which will help them make new friends and keep them engaged in daily activities.
Seeking Comfort And Care for Your Loved One? Consider Exploring Landon Ridge Kingwood Assisted Living & Memory Care
Overall, recognizing these signs early and seeking dementia care can help maintain your loved one’s well-being. A memory care community provides a supportive environment that caters to people with memory-related illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s and allows them to thrive.
If you’re looking for a similar, memory-care supportive environment for your loved one, consider exploring Landon Ridge Kingwood Assisted Living & Memory Care. At our senior living community, we back our care programs with strict safety measures, features, and policies, ensuring every resident lives a safe, comfortable, and happy life in our community.
Schedule a Tour of Landon Ridge Kingwood Assisted Living & Memory Care today to learn more.
