How to Transition Someone From Assisted Living to Memory Care
How do you know when to transition a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia from assisted living to memory care? You may feel guilty. It might feel like you’re making a decision you don’t want to make. Maybe it feels like you are not doing enough to help.
Should they stay in an assisted living apartment or transition to a higher level of care? Moving a parent to memory care is an opportunity to give them comprehensive support and an environment that inspires meaning.
You may feel guilty or anxious about the transition. However, enlisting help from an assisted living and memory care community can provide a stable move for those who need it.
The Village at Rancho Solano provides assisted living in Fairfield, CA. We also offer a continuum of care. We can provide multiple levels of support to seniors as their needs change. Our goal is to help loved ones age in place.
Let’s work together to create a custom care plan that meets individual needs. Our team is here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a type of senior housing that supports activities of daily living (ADLs). These can include help with bathing, dressing, grooming, using the restroom, and taking medication.
Assisted living communities typically provide care for seniors who need some level of assistance. Residents do not require 24-hour skilled nursing care.
There are over 127,000 older adults living in assisted living facilities in California. About 35 percent of residents live with a type of dementia. Only 18 percent of Golden State communities provide dedicated memory care.
Senior living communities offering assisted living and memory care are essential to the growing population of older adults.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living designed to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Memory care facilities offer a secure environment. The unique programming and activities help keep residents engaged and socialized.
The benefits of memory care include:
- A secure and enriching environment
- Specialized care from a team of trained professionals
- Data-based activities and programming
- Socialization opportunities
How to Make the Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care
Making the transition can be collaborative if your loved one with dementia already resides in assisted living. The nurses and specialized caregivers will likely know your loved one personally and have a rapport.
Assisted living is helpful for seniors who need help with a few daily activities. Memory care is thoroughly equipped to support the challenges of living with memory loss and offer a higher quality of life.
Discuss options for the next step with the senior living community if your loved one exhibits the need for dementia care. Additionally, discuss these matters with your family members. Don’t try to hide a transition of care.
Having all family members on the same page will be helpful for the moving process. Equip everyone with the same response if a loved one asks why or where they are moving.
Downsizing may be needed if your loved one resides in a larger apartment. Memory care suites are generally smaller spaces that accommodate people living with a form of dementia. Their design offers a valuable sense of independence.
Pack up or move when your loved one is not present. The sight can cause agitation or stress when making the transition. Make sure to include familiar objects and precious items in a clear view when setting up the new living space.
Their new apartment may be smaller. However, they’ll have plenty of space to socialize in familiar and easy-to-navigate areas. Bringing cherished items can also help ease the transition.
When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care
Transitioning from assisted living to memory care can be tough on the resident and their loved ones. It is a significant shift that requires careful thought and consideration. A move to memory care can be challenging, but with proper preparation, it can be a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Observe the signs that a senior may need more specialized memory care. These could include excessive forgetfulness beyond normal aging, wandering, or increasing anxiety and aggression. If you notice such signs, it may be time to seek a higher level of care for a family member with dementia.
Evaluate the senior’s cognitive function and health requirements to determine the level of care they need. A secure memory care unit offers more opportunities for independence than assisted living for people with dementia.
Speak with staff at the memory care facility about the senior’s routine, hobbies, and interests. Investigate whether they think the resident is ready to move to dementia care.
Family members and caretakers should remember to practice self-care during this transition period, as it can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to stay positive, and support loved ones during this time.
Some common signs of dementia indicating the need to transition to memory care include:
- Wandering
- Sundowning
- Confusion about time and place inside the community
- Declining personal hygiene
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Lack of interest in activities and events
- Excessive falls
- Agitation and mood changes
The Village at Rancho Solano offers a higher care level for families facing this difficult decision. Our memory care program, Connections, is specifically designed to meet the needs of those with dementia. We provide specialized care that allows residents to feel comfortable and at home.
Connections Memory Care
Dr. Sandra Petersen is a nationally recognized assisted living and memory care expert. She created the Connections memory care program to promote neuroplasticity in older adults living with memory loss. Her data-based approach to dementia care draws on experiences in her life.
Over a decade ago, Dr. Petersen experienced a stroke resulting in memory and mobility loss. Her rehabilitation included movement and brain exercises that formed new neural pathways and helped her recover.
She transferred that experience to provide purposeful care to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Introducing our program can influence new connections in the brain to slow memory loss.
The Connection program provides:
- Data-based activities and therapies
- A calming secure environment
- Expert caregivers dedicated to making emotional bonds
- A dedicated team providing personal care
- Enriching experiences
- Family support
Find Relief in Fairfield Assisted Living and Memory Care
Schedule a tour of our dedicated Alzheimer’s and dementia care community if you’re considering memory care for your loved one. Our team will happily answer any questions and show you the benefits of memory care.
Connections Memory Care
Pegasus Senior Living, Senior VP of Health and Wellness, Dr. Sandra Petersen, is a nationally recognized assisted living and memory care expert. She created the Connections program to promote neuroplasticity in older adults living with memory loss. Her data-based approach to dementia care draws on experiences in her life.
Over a decade ago, Dr. Petersen experienced a stroke resulting in memory and mobility loss. Her rehabilitation included movement and brain exercises that formed new neural pathways and helped her recover.
She transferred that experience to provide purposeful care to those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Introducing our program can influence new connections in the brain to slow memory loss.
The Connection program provides:
- Data-based activities and therapies
- A calming secure environment
- Expert caregivers dedicated to making emotional bonds
- A dedicated team providing personal care
- Enriching experiences
- Family support
Find Relief in Fairfield Assisted Living and Memory Care
If you’re considering memory care for your loved one, we encourage you to schedule a tour of our dedicated Alzheimer’s and dementia care community. Our team would be happy to answer any questions you may have and show you the benefits of memory care.