Caring for a loved one experiencing cognitive decline can be challenging. Seeing a parent or grandparent struggle with daily activities they used to complete with ease can be heartbreaking. We know firsthand the strain, stress, and emotional turmoil this can cause to families. But you are not alone. About 10% of U.S. adults over the age of 65 have some form of dementia. Another 22% experience some form of mild cognitive impairment. There is hope.
Memory care is a form of long-term care that specializes in cognitive support. Most families want to care for their family members for as long as possible. So, understandably, you may be hesitant about trusting an “Alzheimer’s care facility” or any of these “memory care facilities.” Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our loved ones is recognize when we need help. Knowing when to transition to memory care is a crucial and difficult decision. We’re here to help you make an informed decision.
In this blog, we’ll answer, “What is memory care?” We’ll discuss the signs that it’s time for memory care and explore the benefits of this specialized care option.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. Some care communities offer memory care alongside residential assisted living. Memory care may have its own wing or building on a senior living community campus. Other retirement communities may outsource it and recommend specific memory care facilities.
You are probably familiar with the independent living options offered by retirement communities. They are essentially senior apartments benefiting from a community. There are active senior programs, artistic courses, and plenty of clubs to nourish their passions. Senior assisted living offers support for daily living tasks. Residential assisted living may offer medication reminders, mobility assistance, and transportation.
Memory care is very similar to assisted living, but it goes further in treating cognitive conditions. Memory care typically has lower staff-to-resident ratios so that staff members can provide more individualized attention. They are also specially trained to help seniors with memory impairments. Staff members may host social activities, cognitive exercises, and various therapies. Most memory care facilities have registered nurses on staff to address medical needs.
One of the biggest differences between assisted living and memory care is safety features. In residential assisted living, residents can come and go as they please. However, those experiencing memory impairments often pose a danger to themselves by wandering aimlessly. Memory care facilities provide 24-hour supervision and have secure exits to keep your loved one safe.
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the most common reasons for seeking memory care. These are neurodegenerative conditions, meaning they break down the cells in the brain. Dementia is an umbrella term for a grouping of symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
Sadly, there is no cure for dementia. However, memory care and assisted living for dementia patients can mitigate the symptoms, slow progression, and help your loved one live a fulfilling life. You probably already know some of the common symptoms: forgetfulness, confusion, and wandering. The symptoms start slow and as a pattern, but then they progress to the point where they impede daily living. Left alone without memory care, they can become debilitating and dangerous.
There are several types of dementia— some with unique symptoms. All of which can be mitigated in memory care facilities or dementia care facilities. Of course, symptoms vary from person to person. Your loved one doesn’t need to check all of the boxes to qualify for a memory care center. What’s crucial is if these symptoms are impeding daily living and hindering health.
Here is a condensed list of common symptoms.
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Wandering
- Frequently repeating one’s self
- Social withdrawal
- No longer enjoying the activities they once did
- Changes in behavior, such as irresponsible spending
- Difficulty reading or writing
- Difficulty speaking or hearing
- Poor judgment or reckless behavior
- Falling for scams they would have easily avoided before.
- Losing track of large swaths of time
- Visual hallucinations (this is one of the unique symptoms of Lewy body dementia)
- Imbalance or unsteady walking
- Decline in spatial awareness
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Paranoia or suspicion
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
Signs It’s Time for Memory Care
Recognizing when your loved one needs memory care can be difficult. It’s perfectly natural to become a little forgetful as we age. We are all prone to neural atrophy. That is to say, if you don’t use something, you’ll lose it. If we don’t exercise our minds, they’ll become weaker. That’s why it is so vital to stimulate our minds, foster our passions, and stay social while in independent living. Doing so helps lower your risk of developing dementia.
There are a few key signs that it is time for memory care. 1) When those symptoms risk your loved one’s safety. 2) When your loved one develops health issues either directly or indirectly because of their memory problems. 3) When the current caregivers are no longer able to address changing care needs. Primary caregiving responsibilities often fall on a family member, like adult children.
Since you’re here reading about memory care, you might already be experiencing caregiver burnout. We all want to provide the best for our loved ones, but we can’t do it alone. We have other responsibilities, we have our own jobs to worry about, and we have other family members to take care of. You have to take care of yourself first; otherwise, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else. We understand that it’s frightening to transition a loved one into an Alzheimer’s care facility, assisted living for dementia patients, or a memory care facility. But sometimes, it’s the best thing we can do for everyone as a whole. At the end of the day, trust your gut. Your instincts will know when it’s time for memory care.
Here are some examples for the categories listed above.
- Forgetting they left the stove on
- Neglecting household chores
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Unsafe driving
- Forgetting to pay bills
- Being irresponsible with money
- Wandering off
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Losing track of the passage of time
- Withdrawing from socializing and hobbies
- Difficulty performing daily living activities like cooking, cleaning, and laundry
- Incontinence
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble eating
- Drastic weight changes
Benefits of Memory Care
During the early stages of dementia, assisted living might be able to provide all the care your loved one needs. However, memory care provides additional benefits. The layout of a memory care center is designed to be easy to navigate to prevent confusion. Secondly, many memory care facilities schedule programs to create a daily routine, helping residents throughout the day. These structured activities are designed to engage residents, stimulate cognition, and promote socialization.
Memory care can also provide access to medical care that is not as accessible within residential assisted living. There is a wide range of therapies that can address dementia symptoms, such as speech and cognitive therapy. It can be difficult to schedule those kinds of therapies within an assisted living community. Receiving them individually can also increase the cost of assisted living.
Another advantage that memory care offers over assisted living homes is improved socialization. Memory impairment can make it very hard to socialize, but memory care facilitates social interaction and fun activities between other residents. These can include group puzzles, group crafts, and group exercises. Not only does this reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, but it also contributes to cognitive health.
Memory care facilities can also provide nutritional support. Neurodegenerative conditions are very complicated and interconnected with our whole health. Memory care can provide proper nutrition and personalized nutrition plans to help with overall health and cognitive function.
Aside from specialized care, medical assistance, and improved socialization, memory care facilities provide a wealth of other benefits. Memory care can provide transportation. There is 24-hour supervision and enhanced security. Memory care staff can also assist with personal hygiene, housekeeping, and laundry.
How to Choose the Right Memory Care Facility
Choosing the right memory care center is crucial for ensuring your loved one receives the best care. It can be tempting to google “nursing homes near me for dementia patients” and pray that it works. How do you know if you can trust them with your loved one’s care? Here are some factors to consider when researching memory care facilities.
First, assess your loved one’s needs. What specific care requirements do they need? Wandering prevention? Help with incontinence? Mobility assistance? Speech therapy? This will help you gauge if the memory care facilities can provide appropriate care.
Secondly, evaluate the options already available. If your loved one already lives in a continuing care retirement community, assess their options. Do they offer assisted living for dementia patients or have a dedicated memory care wing? If not, ask the staff if they recommend any memory care facilities.
Finally, how do they approach memory care? For example, Cogir Senior Living operates a memory care program called CONNECTIONS. It is an early intervention program for memory loss that promotes autonomy. Connections starts by meeting with a connections director who hosts an open family discussion for care planning. The director then crafts a personalized plan that considers all aspects of health— from diet to sleeping. Connections combines social interaction with physical activity and mental fitness to slow the need for long-term assisted living memory care for as long as possible. A big advantage of Connections is that it does not need to be held within any specific memory care center. Connections can be utilized throughout Cogir’s retirement communities!
Conclusion
Deciding when to transition to memory care is never easy, but it is crucial for the health and quality of life of your loved one. We hope that we’ve helped you understand what memory care is so you can recognize the signs and make the best decision for your loved one.
If your loved one is already exhibiting signs of cognitive decline, don’t wait to seek help. Accessing memory care early can make all the difference. Early intervention can significantly improve your loved one’s quality of life. Visit our website to learn more about memory care options, explore our resources, and connect with professionals for guidance. Reach out today to start the journey toward better care and peace of mind.
About Cogir Senior Living
What sets Cogir apart is the company’s devoted approach to creating healthy, vibrant communities that offer residents exceptional independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyle options. Cogir Senior Living develops, owns, and/or operates 64+ lifestyle communities throughout the United States.
