Deciding If It’s Time for Memory Care
Memory care communities are designed to provide safety, structure, and specialized support for people with dementia or Alzheimer's. However, deciding when to make the move is never easy. Start by asking yourself these questions:
Is my loved one safe?
Am I, as a caregiver, able to provide the level of support needed?
Would they benefit from a secure and socially engaging environment?
Below are some signs and factors to consider if you are thinking about moving your loved one into a memory care residence.
Safety Concerns
The most common reason that someone moves into memory care is when they are no longer safe at home.
Getting lost – Your loved one has gotten lost or confused when they have left home. This is especially of concern if this occurs while they are in a familiar environment.
Wandering - Your loved one feels the need to leave home and does so even though it is not safe.
Frequent accidents resulting from unsafe behavior – This include kitchen fires, misusing appliances, or poor decisions that lead to falls or other accidents.
Behavioral and Emotional Changes
Changes in behavior and lack of judgment can put your loved one and others at risk. In addition to physical injury, these behaviors can also make it difficult for a caregiver to provide the needed level of care. These include:
Frequent agitation or aggression
Severe anxiety, depression or withdrawal from others
Increased paranoia and fear, including feeling unsafe at home
Decline in Daily Functioning
Often additional help in the home or a move into assisted living can address challenges your loved one has in meeting their daily needs. However if they need constant assistance and supervision, then memory care may be more appropriate.
Struggling with basic self-care such as bathing, dressing, and toileting
Poor nutrition due to forgetting meals and groceries, difficulty cooking, or lack of judgment.
Forgetting to take medications or taking them inappropriately
Increasing Caregiver Strain
Moving a loved one into memory care is not about giving up, but rather it’s about ensuring they have the right level of care, safety, and quality of life. You may want to consider a move if:
Family caregivers feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or isolated.
Care needs are more than one person can reasonably provide.
Constant supervision is required, which can lead to burnout.