As we age, it’s natural to experience changes that can make it challenging to live independently. The transition to a specialized memory care community can be a big step for those with memory loss and their family members.
If you or someone you know could benefit from memory care near Phoenix, Sun City West Assisted Living is a leading provider of support for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Our assisted living and memory care community can help make the transition easier.
Continue reading to learn more about dementia support, when it’s time to make the transition, and where to find Phoenix memory care communities.
What is memory care?
Unlike assisted living, which provides general care and support, memory care is specifically designed for those with memory loss, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. Sometimes called Alzheimer’s or dementia care, it provides a higher level of specialized support and activities for individuals with memory issues.
Memory care units or neighborhoods are secure environments allowing residents to remain independent. Seniors in Alzheimer’s care facilities also get to pursue new friendships with neighbors and staff members.
Assisted living residents receive personal care plans that outline daily services such as:
- Medication management and administration
- Bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene
- Mobility and transferring assistance
- Feeding and food preparation
Memory care provides residents with the same services. The benefit lies within specially trained team members who understand the dynamic needs of living with memory loss. Dementia care staff receive ongoing training to ensure residents can experience a higher quality of life.
As a memory care community near Phoenix, Sun City West Assisted Living offers multiple levels of senior care. As many as 57 percent of Arizona senior living residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia. A community offering both services can make the transition more manageable if it is needed.
How do you know it is time for memory care?
It’s important to know when it’s time to consider memory care. Signs a loved one needs a specialized senior care community can include:
- Frequent falls
- Difficulty with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing
- Wandering and getting lost
- Increased confusion or forgetfulness
Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be overwhelming for Phoenix area family caregivers. While it’s natural to want to care for your loved one yourself, there may come a point where it’s simply too much for one person to handle.
In 2021, family caregivers in Arizona worked more unpaid hours than any other state in the nation. Know you do not have to feel alone or helpless in caring for a loved one with memory loss. Contact a Phoenix, AZ memory care community or the Desert Southwest chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for support.
Family caregivers need to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally. Caregiving can be exhausting and affect mental and physical health. By considering memory care for your loved one, you can alleviate some of the stress and burden of caregiving and focus on spending quality time together.
If you find that caring for your loved one with memory loss is becoming too overwhelming, it may be time to consider memory care. It’s a decision that can benefit you and your loved one in the long run.
Making the Transition From Home Care to Memory Care Near Phoenix
Making the transition to memory care can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to make it easier for everyone.
Start the conversation early.
Having open and honest communication about memory care can help ease the transition process. It’s important to involve the person with memory loss in decision-making as much as possible and have them express their concerns and preferences.
This opportunity is best done when a loved one receives an early diagnosis of dementia. Understanding the warning signs of severe memory loss and visiting a doctor can lead to better outcomes.
Start the conversation and the plan early. A person with dementia may not need to move to a memory care community immediately after diagnosis. However, it’s crucial to outline a plan for the future.
Visit potential memory care communities.
Visiting a few memory care communities in the Phoenix area can help individuals and their families determine which best meets their needs. When you visit a community, you can get a sense of the environment, the level of care provided, and the options available for your loved one.
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your visit:
- Schedule an appointment: Call ahead to schedule an appointment so you can ensure that someone will be available to answer your questions and show you around.
- Come with questions: Think of questions ahead of time so you can understand the care and services offered. These include questions about staffing, activities, and medical care.
- Observe the environment: Take note of the community’s cleanliness, upkeep, and general atmosphere. Do the staff and residents seem happy and engaged?
- Meet the staff: The staff at a memory care community plays a crucial role in the well-being of its residents. Take the time to meet with staff members and ask questions about their qualifications and training.
- Talk to residents and their families: If possible, speak with current residents and their families about their experiences in the community. They can give you firsthand insight into the quality of care provided.
Some questions you may want to ask during your visit include:
- How do you handle medication management for residents?
- What types of activities are provided for residents?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- How often do residents receive social and emotional support?
- Does your community offer a signature memory care program?
- Does care involve a data or evidence-based approach?
Visiting memory care communities can help you decide on the best care option for your loved one. Take the time to tour and ask questions to ensure a nurturing environment for your loved one.
Plan the move
Moving can be stressful for anyone, but it can be even more challenging for those with memory loss. To make the move easier, plan ahead by packing essential items, such as personal photos or favorite books, and ensure the new environment is as familiar and comfortable as possible.
You may want to remove your loved one from the moving day to prevent anxiety and confusion. Some senior living communities may offer assistance with the transition. They can usually recommend local moving companies who specialize in this specific service.
Finding the Right Connection in Phoenix Area Memory Care
Sun City West is a Phoenix suburb and oasis for older adults. Sun City West Assisted Living offers premium and comprehensive memory care with the benefit of the Connections program.
Dr. Sandra Petersen designed the Connections memory care program to give seniors the opportunity to continue learning, moving, and socializing. The data-based program is rooted in neuroplasticity therapies.
The Sun City West memory care community provides residents with personalized care 24/7, medication management, and life enrichment programs. Their compassionate team of professionals is trained to work with individuals with memory loss, assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Visit Sun City West Assisted Living and Memory Care
Transitioning to memory care is a big step, but with the right support and care, it can be a positive experience. If you or someone you know is considering memory care near Phoenix, AZ, Sun City West is a great option to explore. Arrange a tour and discover how we can help with the move.
Contact us to start making an easier transition.