When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care
According to the AHCA/NCAL, it's estimated that there are approximately 30,600 assisted living communities in the United States. Millions of people rely on assisted living communities to help maintain independence by assisting with certain activities of daily living.
Unfortunately, certain conditions, like dementia, often require more care than assisted living can provide. That's why a specialized form of memory care is so important.
Knowing when to move from assisted living to memory care can be a challenge for many loved ones. So, what are some of the signs? In this guide, we'll answer this question so your loved one can get the help they need.
Understanding Assisted Living vs. Memory Care
Before discussing when it's time to move, it's helpful to understand the differences between assisted living and memory care. Assisted living is designed for individuals who need assistance with daily activities:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping
They still remain largely independent in terms of memory and cognition. Memory care, however, is a specialized form of care tailored to individuals with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer's.
While assisted living may be sufficient for someone in the early stages with mild cognitive impairment, as the condition progresses, a memory care community offers the specialized attention and support needed to ensure their safety and comfort.
Signs for When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care
As cognitive impairments progress, several key signs for memory care move can indicate that it's time to consider transitioning. It's important to know how to assess these signs before you decide when to leave assisted living.
Increased Memory Loss
Memory loss often worsens as dementia or Alzheimer's disease advances. Someone who previously had no trouble with daily tasks or recognizing family members may begin forgetting significant events or even who their loved ones are.
When this memory loss becomes more frequent and concerning, it's an indication that the current care may no longer meet the individual's needs.
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes are a common symptom of dementia. Increased anxiety, aggression, and frustration may arise as the individual struggles with confusion and forgetfulness. Repetitive behaviors, such as asking the same questions over and over, are also common.
Safety Concerns
As memory loss progresses, safety becomes a greater concern. In assisted living, residents can typically move around freely, but with advancing cognitive decline, there is an increased risk of wandering, forgetting to lock doors, or suffering from falls.
Memory care communities are designed with secure environments that limit these risks, providing a safe and supportive setting for individuals who need more supervision.
Difficulty Managing Medications
Medication management can become a significant issue for someone with memory loss. Forgetting to take prescribed medications, taking the wrong dosage, or mixing up different medications can result in dangerous consequences.
Declining Physical Health
As cognitive impairments worsen, physical health often declines as well. Issues like mobility difficulties, neglecting personal hygiene, and failure to maintain healthy eating habits can become more prominent. Memory care communities are equipped to assist with these issues, offering specialized care to support residents with both their cognitive and physical health needs.
Trouble Communicating
Individuals in the later stages of cognitive decline often struggle with expressing themselves and understanding others. Communication difficulties can be frustrating for both the person and those around them.
Benefits of Memory Care
While transitioning seniors to memory care can be a difficult decision, there are many benefits that make it a positive and necessary step for your loved one's well-being. Memory care offers specialized care tailored to those with dementia or Alzheimer's, providing the necessary support to maintain a higher quality of life.
One of the key benefits of memory care is the highly trained staff. These professionals are equipped to manage the unique challenges of dementia, offering structured care that focuses on the individual's needs.
Memory care communities also provide enhanced safety features. These communities are designed to reduce the risk of accidents and wandering, which can be a significant concern for individuals with advanced memory loss.
Another significant benefit of memory care is the structured routines. Individuals with memory impairments often thrive in environments with predictable schedules.
Memory care also focuses on socialization, ensuring that individuals can participate in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. Programs and activities are specifically designed to engage residents, reduce isolation, and offer opportunities for meaningful connections with others. They even offer support groups to deal with the challenges of dementia.
How to Make the Transition
Deciding to move a loved one from assisted living to memory care is a significant step. To ensure a smooth transition, there are several key actions you can take to prepare.
The first step is to consult your loved one's healthcare providers. A medical assessment can help determine if memory care is the best option based on their cognitive and physical needs. A doctor can provide valuable insights and offer recommendations on the type of memory care required.
While individuals with advanced dementia may not fully understand the reason for the move, it's important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible.
It's also crucial to visit several memory care communities before making a final decision. Take the time to tour the community and meet with the staff. Ask questions about care plans, available activities, and memory care readiness. Make sure they can accommodate things that are important to your loved one, like faith practices.
Prepare your loved one's support network for the changes as well. Family members and friends can offer emotional support during the assisted living to memory care transition, and open communication is key to ensuring everyone feels comfortable with the move.
Need Memory Care? Visit The Pointe at Lifespring
We hope this guide helped you learn when to move from assisted living to memory care. Here at The Pointe at Lifespring, we don't believe this transition should be any harder than it needs to be.
In other communities not only do you have to worry about your loved one's symptoms, but also finding and moving them to a new memory care community. That's why we offer both assisted living and memory care options under one roof.
This makes it simple for residents to transition as their care needs progress. So, if you want to learn more about how we can accommodate your loved one, get in touch with us today.