Memory care can be an excellent way to get support for a loved one with dementia. But it isn’t always the easiest to tell whether or not a loved one would benefit from memory care. How can you tell if they need professional support, and when should one move to memory care?
If your loved one’s memory impairment is beginning to impact their life in any way, memory care may be able to help. If they’re constantly forgetting important details, exhibiting personality changes, or their safety is at risk, it may be time to reach out to a memory care community near you.
What Is Memory Care?
Dementia, a group of neurodegenerative disorders that affect the brain, can have a significant impact on a person’s life. At first, symptoms usually start slowly and can be difficult to spot. But as the condition progresses, symptoms often worsen. Your loved one may forget important details, wander, or start having communication difficulties. When this happens, what do you do?
You can reach out to a memory care community. These communities are specialized types of senior living designed to cater to older adults with dementia. The teams working in these communities are trained to support people living with these conditions. Meanwhile, the physical environment is designed to be easy to navigate and comforting.
The benefits don’t stop there. In memory care, constant events, activities, and programs are designed to promote cognitive health and keep your loved one happy and entertained. The communities are an excellent way to support a loved one experiencing dementia—it’s a place where they can get the care they need in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment.
How Does Memory Care Help?
Every person is unique, and so are their needs. That’s why memory care communities like ours take a resident-first approach to give them the support they need.
Here at The Legacy at South Plains, we take a 7 pillar approach to treatment through our Connections program:
- Choice-based living: Residents are empowered to make the right choices for themselves and be supported the entire time.
- Personalized care: A customized care plan for every resident to get them the needed support.
- Innovative environments: Our environments are designed to encourage freedom and safety simultaneously.
- Immersive living: We use therapy programs, engaging activities, and social opportunities to encourage residents to create meaningful connections with the people around them.
- Collaborative support: We collaborate with outside caregivers, healthcare providers, and your family to provide comprehensive care and treatment for your loved one.
- Curated dining: We provide health-focused, nutritious and delicious dishes.
- A partnership with your family: We provide empathy, understanding, and respect to you and your loved one.
This approach lets us provide your loved one with comprehensive care while supporting you and your family.
Signs That It’s Time for Memory Care
While occasional forgetfulness is linked closely with the aging process, there are a few things to watch out for.
If your loved one exhibits any of the following signs, it may be time to schedule a consultation with their physician to determine if they’re experiencing cognitive decline:
- Increased forgetfulness, like failing to remember important dates, events, or information
- Difficulty communicating or using the wrong words in conversation
- Personality and behavioral changes
- Neglecting self-care
- They’re no longer taking proper care of their home
- Increased isolation or feelings of loneliness
These are all signs that your loved one may be developing memory impairment. If so, it may be time to think about memory care.
Tips for Choosing a Memory Care Community
If you think your loved one can benefit from memory care, it can help to know how to choose the right community for them.
First, try to choose a location that suits their needs. It helps to look into communities in your area. After all, you’ll want to visit your loved one regularly, and they’d likely appreciate being near their family and friends. And don’t worry; most communities allow you to schedule a tour ahead of time to see the area for yourself.
Then, try to think about:
- Your budget and the community fee structures
- The safety features included in the community
- The size of each home in the community
- The offered amenities, programs, and services
- How the staff and residents interact with each other
- The staff-to-resident ratio
- The community values
It can help to speak to the staff and residents in person to see what life would be like for your loved one if they moved there. It never hurts to get a firsthand account of the community.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
If you think it’s time for your loved one to consider a move to memory care, reach out to our community here at The Legacy at South Plains. Our team is here to support you and your loved one through this transition, and we’d love to show you our community. Book a tour with us today.