Caring for a family member as they age is one of the most loving yet one of the most challenging things to do. Amidst everything, we need to decide when (and if) it’s time to move a loved one from assisted living to a memory care facility.
No one wants to imagine their loved one requiring more help. But the truth is, our needs change as we grow older, especially…when conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia come into the picture.
And that is where memory care comes in.
This guide breaks down the differences between assisted living and memory care, key signs to look out for, and how to handle the transition as smoothly and of course, as lovingly as possible.
So, What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care Residences?
Starting with the basics, assisted living steps in when seniors require a bit more day-to-day support to live life safely and comfortably. For instance, maybe they could use help with bathing, moving around, keeping track of medications, and perhaps, getting dressed isn’t as easy as it once was. In such moments, assisted living is the perfect fit.
At Verve, we’re here to make your loved one’s daily life easier. We take care of the everyday tasks so residents can enjoy the things that matter most to them. These tasks include personal care, housekeeping, laundry, preparing fresh meals for them, and medication reminders. Oh, it doesn’t end there. There’s also plenty to look forward to, like social events, wellness programs, and light health services that keep life exciting.
It’s all about striking the right balance, offering just the right amount of help, while still respecting their independence.
On the contrary, memory care is a more specialized setup. This is specifically designed for people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive conditions. These facilities go beyond basic support and focus on safety, structure, and specialized care.
Our team members in memory care residents are equipped with the right skills and training needed to handle the specific challenges that come with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Residences are secure with locked entry points and thoughtfully monitored outdoor spaces, giving families peace of mind while supporting residents’ independence. Daily experiences like art sessions, gentle movement classes, and sensory activities are chosen to help spark memories, lower stress, and bring a sense of calm and connection. Memory care residences offer spaces that are calm and easy to navigate, often with helpful visual cues and low noise levels.
When is it Time for a Memory Care Residence? 5 Signs
We understand. This isn’t an easy call. Choosing to place a loved one in a memory care facility is a profoundly private and often hard one. Still, it’s critical to recognize an upward trajectory of growing difficulties that suggest that residential care doesn’t suit their requirements anymore. Below are a few clear signs that can help guide your decision.
More frequent episodes of forgetfulness:
Alzheimer’s disease intensifies with the progression of dementia. If your loved one is forgetting names, places, or how to do basic tasks and if it’s happening more often, affecting their health and safety, it could be time for more focused support.
Wandering or Safety Concerns:
Dementia can cause people to get disoriented and lost, even in familiar places. The improved security of the memory care unit becomes essential for the safety of an assisted living person who has dementia.
Facing Challenges With Daily Tasks:
Although assisted living helps with day-to-day activities, a person’s dementia may eventually make it very difficult for them to carry out these chores effectively. In such cases, memory care may be more suitable.
Changes in Behaviour:
Behaviors such as agitation, anxiety, aggression, and sundowning, which is basically getting more confused or upset in the evening, need specialized care and trained staff know how to respond with patience and care.
Their needs have evolved and go beyond what assisted living can provide:
As dementia progresses, care needs can go beyond what assisted living is designed for. Memory care residences are equipped to handle these more complex needs 24/7. The right amount of assistance and knowledge is provided by memory care if a resident’s needs become more complicated.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that one sign alone doesn’t mean you need to move them. But if several signs show up consistently, it’s time to have that conversation.
Tips for Moving From Assisted Living to Memory Care
Initially, it might seem difficult for the person and their family to move from assisted living to memory care. But with a little planning and heart, the transition doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Listed below are some friendly and useful tips.
Start the conversation early:
Talking openly ahead of time gives everyone space to process and plan. Don’t wait until a crisis forces you to make a snap decision on a memory care facility.
Advice from Healthcare Professionals:
Involve healthcare professionals to get the right guidelines for the patient. They’ll provide the best support in assessing your loved one’s current condition and offer expert guidance.
Explore an array of best memory care facilities:
For your loved ones, go an extra mile, visit several memory care facilities and do extensive research. The atmosphere, personnel, facilities, events, safety, and general facilities should all be inspected. Eventually, you’ll get a feel for the environment, staff, activities, and whether it feels like a good fit.
Focus on the benefits:
Pay attention to the advantages of the memory care facility, like increased security, specialized care, and appropriate therapy. Emphasize how this move will help your loved one feel safer, more supported, and less stressed, not just on what they’ll be leaving behind.
Make it feel like home:
Ease the transition. Make your loved one’s new place uniquely their own so they won’t miss their old one. Make the space as cozy and welcoming as you can.
Pay Regular Visits:
Continue to visit the memory care facility frequently so that you can provide your family member with the mental assistance they need to acclimate to the new setting. Your presence will always be a source of comfort. Even short visits can mean the world.
Share vital details about your loved one’s routine and preferences with the staff:
Honest and open conversations go a long way. The more the care team knows, the better they can personalize the experience.
Lastly, Don’t forget to care for yourself:
It can be emotionally taxing to care for somebody who has dementia. Never be afraid to ask for help navigating the difficulties of the change from friends, family, support groups, or therapists.
Choose Your Next Step With Care And Confidence
Making the move from assisted living to memory care isn’t just about medical needs. It’s about love, safety, and giving your loved one the best quality of life possible. Actually, even better than the one they had previously experienced. True, it might feel like a big change, but it can also be a huge relief, knowing your loved one is getting the specialized support they deserve in a caring environment.
Understand, you’re not alone in this.
Having the right information and support, you can make the best decision for your family.
