When is it Time for Memory Care

Dementia is not like other health conditions, which develop suddenly. It comes on gradually. When people talk about dementia, they commonly discuss the symptoms of loss of memory, extreme confusion, and disorientation, but there are other symptoms that are easily overlooked and hard to understand. 

Symptoms – Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia include agitation, sleeplessness, delusions, or severe personality changes. So, how do you know when your loved one could benefit from a memory care facility? There is no magic answer to that question, but there are many factors to take into consideration. Our staff is licensed and skilled to handle the elevated needs of patients with dementia, including Alzheimer’s and here are 5 things to consider when trying to decide if your loved one could benefit from a memory care facility. 

Physical Safety – Has your loved one fallen recently, had an accident while driving, or had an unexplained injury? How often do you make a call to check on them? Do they wander off? Do they easily become confused, or physically violent? These are common occurrences, which is why physical safety is the number-one concern for loved ones of people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Healthcare Needs – Do you know if your loved one is taking their medication on schedule, or at all? Are they taking the right amount, or too much? Medication management is essential to healthcare, and if your loved one isn’t taking their medication on schedule, it can be detrimental to their health. What about their food intake? Are they eating enough? Is the food they are eating fresh? It’s common for people with dementia to forget to eat or check the expiration date on their food.

Physical Changes – Has your loved one lost weight? This can happen if they forget to eat. Gained weight? They can also forget they’ve eaten and eaten again. Does your loved one hunch over or move with difficulty – both can signal that they are unsure of where they are going or what they are doing.

Personal Care & Hygiene – Body odor can be one of the first signs that your loved one is not adequately taking care of themselves. Other things to look for regarding personal care & hygiene are wrinkled or unwashed clothes, and wearing clothes inside out or backward. Has there been a change in the upkeep of their hair, such as messy hair or stubbly face?

Living Conditions – As people age, they may need help with housework, but pay attention to their physical environment – look for burn or scorch marks on pans and dish towels – your loved may forget to turn off a burner. Also, look for stains, mold, or damage from water – memory loss can cause your loved one to leave the water running and overflow the bathtub or sink, as an example.

Be sure to talk openly to your family member and their doctor about the possibility and benefits of memory care.

Mayberry Gardens offers a unique setting for people suffering from all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. We provide secure homes to prevent residents from wandering and our memory care has the highest staff to resident ratio on our property. Contact us today with questions about our memory care and assisted living facility.