Is It Time To Move Into a Memory Care Facility ?
Do you plan to relocate your dear one to a memory care unit? And, if yes, then get them prepared for a big lifestyle change. It will not be easy for them to leave their independent life for a place where someone will always keep an eye on their activities. For the person who is suffering from memory loss diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia, handling day-to-day tasks can be a job in itself.
Neither the patients afflicted with it are themselves capable of managing their life, nor the family members are equipped with techniques to handle such conditions. Before things get worse, it’s far better to have a word with them about shifting into a memory care unit. But when is the right time to do it, and is it beneficial to move them into a memory care facility? We will discuss all in this blog.
Signs Indicating It’s Time To Move
If you are thinking about how to figure out the right time to make the transition to a memory care facility, then these points will help you understand the signs better:
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Worsening Memory Loss and Decline in Cognition
In the early stages of dementia, lost memories are sometimes trivial, such as forgotten appointments, misplaced items, or repetition of questions. Memory problems can be serious enough to interfere with daily living when the disease progresses. If your loved one tends to forget meals, fails to take their medication, or forgets how to balance finances, those are early warning signs that would require professional help.
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Increased Chances of Injuries
Dementia often impairs judgment and logic leading to potentially unsafe habits. Once your elderly begins to wander, gets lost in familiar places, or threatens to become a danger to herself by turning on ovens, forget to lock doors, or mishandles medications the issue of safety is paramount. Wandering may result in an injury or even loss.
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Disability in Activity of Daily Living
At the more advanced stages of the disease, the patient cannot do all simple things such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and even feeding. This is because everything will end up becoming too demanding for the individual. One thing you notice is that your loved one needs to keep up with their personal hygiene or needs help to perform basic tasks. A memory care center can help them with this.
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Caregiver Stress and Burnout
Caregiving is very stressful and physically demanding and generally requires being on call full-time with an intense focus on the person with dementia, which causes burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed by the caregiver. If you or your loved ones experience burnout, that’s probably a red flag that you need help and may need some support. Symptoms of guilt, anxiety, resentment, and physical health issues as manifestations of caregiver work can also be classified as red flags.
Benefits of Memory Care Facilities
A memory care home offers numerous advantages over home care for individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Let’s check each of them out one by one:
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24/7 Supervision and Support
The full-time care program will be offered at memory care facilities, so the residents will be monitored around the clock. This type of care is appropriate for patients who are prone to wandering and who suffer from confusion or loss of orientation, particularly at night when confusion is worse than during the day.
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Specialized Staff Training
Staff in memory care facilities are trained specifically in dementia care. They know the unique challenges and behavior as well as communication barriers as well as the emotional needs of the residents here. This creates an atmosphere that makes people feel understood and supported a little easier.
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Safe and Secure Environment
Safety is one of the primary concerns for individuals with memory impairments. Memory care facilities are designed to be secure, with measures such as locked doors, enclosed outdoor spaces, and emergency response systems. This ensures that residents can move around freely without putting themselves in danger.
Preparing for the Transition
It is certainly not an easy decision, but planning for such a transition can make the adaptation easier and smoother when choosing the final destination: a memory care facility. Here are a few practical steps to consider:
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Open Communication: This is as hard as it gets, but sometimes you will need to have this kind of conversation with your loved one about the possibility of them moving on to a facility that cares for people with memory issues. Insofar as possible, involve them in the decision to make transitioning easier.
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Observe Different Places: Each memory care facility is unique and will vary from the others, so it is best to visit several to choose which best fits your needs. Observe both the environment and the amount of interaction you receive with the staff, and also note all the amenities available.
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Plan the Move Carefully: If you are moving, try to achieve as much comfort as possible and a familiar environment in the new space. This can be achieved by moving items that one personally loves in the house, like photos and favorite belongings.
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Seek Emotional Support: Relocating a family member to memory care is extremely emotional for families. Seek to find support from friends, family members, or a counselor as you cope with the guilt, sadness, or relief accompanying such a decision.
Conclusion
Deciding to transfer a loved one to a memory care facility is always personal and never easy. However, when the condition gets worse and becomes more dangerous, and the caregiver appears burnt out, then transferring him or her to a specialized care facility is perhaps the best decision for a loved one. Memory care facilities offer a structured, supportive environment, allowing your loved one to receive the kind of care and attention they need, enhancing their quality of life.
