How to Know When Memory Care Is Right: A Family’s Decision Guide

The idea of placing a senior loved one in a memory care setting is a challenge for you mentally. You may have noticed them experiencing cognitive decline that is associated with age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s or forms of dementia. However, it gives you a bit of peace knowing that your senior loved one will be in the best hands. If you are transitioning them into memory care, this guide will help you through the steps of what to do from the beginning of the period to when they’re settled in.

Specialized Features of Memory Care Communities

Memory care communities are specially designed for seniors who are dealing with memory-related conditions. One of the standout features is the staff that is highly trained in handling residents dealing with dementia while providing them with the dignity and respect they deserve. These communities also have open space designs that will not only aid a resident in getting around easily, but also reduce confusion while prioritizing safety.

Our caregivers focus on assisting your senior loved one while ensuring they’re living arrangement is as comfortable and accommodating as possible, just like they always do on a daily basis. There are also therapeutic programs and daily routines that will be tailor-made for residents in these communities so they can live the best life possible despite their memory-related condition.

Key Signs Your Loved One Needs Professional Memory Care

You may be noticing something that might not seem right with your senior loved one. To the point where memory care could be the best option. But when is it exactly the right time? Let’s take a look at some of the key signs to look out for to decide:

• They have difficulty managing their medication or personal hygiene
• Increased episodes of wandering or disorientation
• Physical safety concerns at home are becoming more frequent
• Increased anxiety and agitation even in surroundings they are familiar with
• Stress among family members or caregiver burnout, further determining that memory care is the better option than in-home care.

Understand that the signs above signal a need that your senior loved one needs support from professionals that specialize in memory-related issues. They will be able to handle everything with ease to ensure that they’re getting laser-focused care from those who understand what’s going on and how to approach certain situations such as dealing with an agitated senior or one who may be wandering without knowing where they are or where they’re going. 

Compassionate Family Conversations About Memory Care

At this point, bringing up memory care in a family conversation will be ideal. It’s an emotional thing to do but it can be done with empathy and patience. Be sure to start this conversation in a quiet, comfortable setting and avoid overwhelming your senior loved one with too many details. It’s important that you approach this conversation with language that gives your senior loved one peace of mind knowing that they will be safe and happy.

The goal here is to focus on their overall well-being, not their limitations. While the topic might be difficult to talk about, making sure your senior loved ones are safe and taken care of by specially trained staff should be something that you and other members of your family can agree on.

The Transition Process Step-By-Step

After a decision has been made to place a senior in a memory care community, the process can be less chaotic. What kind of steps can you take to make it easier for you and all parties involved? Here’s a look at what is done:

• Tour the community: Accompany your senior loved one on a tour to the community so they are familiar with the setting. This will also determine if it’s the right place for your senior loved one.

• Personalize a room: Items from home like art, photographs, and a blanket are all excellent in making sure their space is personalized to feel like a familiar place where they belong.

• Get your loved one involved: These specifically include small decisions like the decorations they want to bring, the clothes they want to wear, and more. The goal here is to provide them with a sense of autonomy and control.

• Care staff coordination: Provide the memory care staff with personal history and preferences, which will ensure them to put together a care plan that is tailor-made for the individual resident, not a one-size-fits-all plan that won’t always work for everyone.

Emotions will be high on the day your senior loved one moves in. It will be important to set up a consistent visiting schedule as a way to reassure your loved one that they are loved and appreciated.

Looking for Compassionate Memory Care for Your Loved One? Visit The Harrison of Stuart Today

At The Harrison of Stuart, we offer a community for your senior loved one that features an attentive, compassionate, and highly trained staff that will handle their specific needs. We know that the transition from home to a memory care setting can be a challenge emotionally. Yet, we are committed to making sure their community experience is a comfortable one. Contact us for more information about our amazing community at The Harrison of Stuart today.