This is the fifth installment in a series of blogs addressing planning for the future. Previous installments include: Aging Safely in Your Own Home: A Comprehensive Guide, Senior Living Options: In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living, Legal Considerations and Aging, and Nursing Home Red Flags. Later topics will include: Caregiving from a Distance: Strategies for Nurturing From Afar, and Navigating the Caregiver Journey: Resources and Practical Suggestions.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 6 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease. A 2022 study found that 1 in 10 Americans over 65 years of age have some form of dementia.
At some point caring safely for loved ones with dementia in their home may no longer be feasible. See our recent blog Senior Living Options: In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living for more details on caring for someone in a home setting. This blog will address the question, “Is it time for memory care?”
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized type of assisted living that provides care for people with dementia. Remember that dementia does not only affect memory but judgment, cognition, and physical abilities as well. According to the AARP, memory care is designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Further, because people with dementia are prone to wander, memory care facilities have alarmed doors, elevators that require a code, and enclosed outdoor spaces to keep residents on site.
Signs That It Is Time for Memory Care
It’s important to note that these changes can appear to come on suddenly. Especially when there has been a death of a spouse that had been acting as a caregiver and masking the dementia symptoms. In addition to the grief, there is now no one to help the individual manage their life and home.
Neglect Personal Hygiene and Housekeeping
- Changes in appearance and hygiene may be some of the first signs that are noticed by those not living in the same home. For example: Someone who was normally fastidious about their dress now appears unbathed.
- Is the home of someone who was known as a “neat” person, now in disarray?
Safety Concerns
- “Forgetfulness” becomes serious when it compromises safety such as leaving the stove on or forgetting to lock doors.
- Symptoms of dementia can include poor safety awareness and motor changes. Is your loved one falling frequently?
- Is mild confusion becoming hazardous causing wandering or getting lost in familiar surroundings such as their longtime neighborhood?
Inability to Manage Health and Medical Conditions
- Poor medication management such as skipped dose or over medication can have dire consequences.
- Weight loss and frailty can be due to the inability to plan a shopping list, shop for food, prepare food, or simply forgetting to eat.
- Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits can be a sign that your loved one is struggling to manage their chronic health conditions.
Other Memory and Perceptual Changes
- Forgetting to pay bills, not just once but repeatedly. Are you getting confused phone calls from your loved one about why the cable was turned off?
- Not scheduling or missing medical appointments can be an indication that more oversight is needed.
- Sending emails, texts, or phone messages that just don’t make sense and when asked about it, they can not explain or deny having sent it.
- Social Isolation: research has shown that social isolation worsens dementia symptoms. Has your loved one stopped participating in activities they used to enjoy, opting to stay home alone?
The Safety of Others
- Some advanced forms of dementia can lead to aggressive and abusive behaviors. Take note of uncharacteristic agitation, paranoia, or aggressive behaviors.
Caregiver Burnout
More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia.
- Is the primary caregiver overwhelmed or stressed, struggling to meet the person’s needs?
- Is the caregiver neglecting their own health and well-being?
Questions to Consider
Moving a loved one to memory care is a difficult decision and should be made thoughtfully, considering safety, well-being, and quality of life. A recent U.S. News article, Determining When Memory Care Is Necessary, summarizes some important questions to consider.
- Is it safe for the person to continue living in his or her current environment?
- Is the person’s behavior likely to cause harm to others?
- What does this person want, need, and say about their situation?
- Are there resources and support systems that can help the person to continue to age in place, or is a move necessary to provide care and protection?
- What do medical professionals and other family members suggest?
It is important to, as much as possible, involve the person with dementia in the decision-making process, considering their preferences and comfort. Transitioning to memory care will be challenging, but it may ultimately provide a safer and more supportive environment for the individual with dementia and peace of mind for their loved ones
REFERENCES
Did you find this topic interesting? Below are more in depth articles.
- 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report – Alzheimer’s Association
- Everything You Need to Know About Dementia Care in Assisted Living Communities – US News
- Memory Care: Specialized Support for People With Alzheimer’s or Dementia – AARP
- Determining When Memory Care Is Necessary – US News
- 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Alzheimer’s Association
- 8 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care – WebMD
Joanne Bedwell, PT is the Resident Blogger at Be Active Be Well. She lives and works in San Francisco with her husband and two (almost) grown daughters. Having over 25 years of experience as a PT, she sees clients in their homes and teaches fitness classes in person and virtually.
DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
