After a dementia diagnosis, many things in life can change. As the symptoms progress, your loved one might eventually need professional care, and fortunately, memory care can help. However, like any significant change in life, moving to memory care may introduce new anxieties and concerns.
It’s essential to understand what your loved one is going through. There are likely feelings of frustration, confusion, and even neglect. Your loved one may feel as though they’re losing control over their life, but they might also feel like they’re losing you.
Make sure that you listen to any of their concerns, highlight the benefits of memory care, and work to find your loved one’s future home together. Throughout the whole process, reassure them that you’re still going to be there for them, even if they move to memory care.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for the impaired ability to think, remember, problem-solve, and make decisions. Memory impairment and any type of significant cognitive decline can be difficult for families to navigate. Cognitive decline can affect communication, understanding, and perception. Dementia can affect your loved one’s:
- Judgment
- Behavior
- Personality
- Physical habits
Because of this, caregiving requires a careful approach and significant effort. Since dementia is progressive, people with dementia may require close monitoring and consistent caregiving. Most families are not equipped to constantly provide quality care for their loved one, especially when they have their own families to care for.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care communities are a type of senior living community designed to navigate memory impairment conditions. Professional caregivers undergo extensive training so they can better support seniors living with cognitive impairments.
The physical living environment itself is created to be safe and supportive, with extra safety measurements and navigation aids around every turn.
There are plenty of structured programs and routines designed to reduce feelings of frustration and isolation. In memory care, your loved one lives somewhere that understands what they’re going through. Since dementia affects every person differently, memory care programs customize care according to your loved one’s needs.
The goal of memory care is simple: improve your loved one’s quality of life, and help them maintain their dignity. Memory care helps your loved one stay connected with themselves and with the community.
How to Tell if It’s Time for Memory Care
Deciding when to move a loved one to memory care can be an overwhelmingly emotional decision. It’s important to remember that you’re making the right decision and that memory care can help in ways that make a big difference.
However, dementia is complex, and it can be difficult to recognize the signs that your loved one’s condition is progressing. Try to keep an eye out for these signs:
- Forgetfulness or memory loss
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Trouble communicating
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Loss of interests
- Neglect for personal hygiene or safety
- Disoriented sense of time and place
If these sound familiar, it’s time to open up the discussion about a move to memory care.
The Benefits of Memory Care
Like any significant change in life, a move to memory care can seem daunting. When you initiate the conversation, make sure that you frame things in a positive light. Highlight the benefits of memory care, such as:
- Personalized care: Memory care communities begin by assessing your loved one’s needs to create a custom-tailored plan to help them every day.
- Safety and security: Designed with safety in mind, these communities feature secure environments to keep your loved one safe.
- Engaging activities and programs: Memory care communities offer activities to stimulate your loved one every day. These activities also provide social opportunities to help your loved one meet new people and strengthen connections within the community.
- A restored sense of independence: Memory care communities promote independence and self-care where possible, giving your loved one more control over their daily life and routine.
Emphasizing the positive aspects of memory care is important when navigating the emotional impact of the transition. Remind your loved one that memory care is a place designed to help them. Additionally, you should let them know that you’re still with them. Your relationship with your loved one is important and can never be replaced.
Choosing a Memory Care Community
Once your loved one is prepared for a move to memory care, it’s time to start thinking about making the transition.
Begin by involving your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Sit down with them, discuss what they need to improve their overall well-being, and create a list of must-have things a community should offer. This conversation can provide your loved one with a good sense of control over the situation while reducing any feelings of anxiety or worry.
Then, start looking at potential memory care communities near you. Use your list and try to find a location that matches your needs. Memory care communities let you schedule tours to visit the site for yourself. This can help you get a better feel for what your loved one’s life will be like if they choose the community.
How to Ease the Transition to Memory Care
Once you’ve decided on your loved one’s future home, you can encourage them to personalize their space ahead of time. Items like family photos and cherished heirlooms can create a sense of comfort and familiarity in their new space.
Encourage daily routines to foster a sense of stability. Help your loved one engage with staff and other residents to build new connections.
You should also talk to them about their feelings and concerns, and reassure them that it’s okay to express their emotions. Be patient. Adjusting to a new environment takes time, and it’s normal for feelings to fluctuate.
And don’t forget to visit regularly! Maintaining your connection can provide comfort for your loved one as they settle into their new home.
Compassionate Care for Seniors in Need
At All American Assisted Living at Tinton Falls, we understand the emotional complexities of transitioning to memory care. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those in need, and we’re ready to help. Take the first step towards getting your loved one the care they deserve, and schedule a visit with our community today!
