When is it Time for a Loved One to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Health and cognitive abilities can change with age, impacting a person’s ability to safely live independently. Assisted living communities provide a range of support services to help individuals with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. However, there may come a time when a parent or family member’s care needs require a higher level of support than assisted living provides.

Lakeshore Senior Living is a brand-new assisted living and memory care community in Guntersville, Alabama. We know the signs of when it may be time to make the transition from assisted living to memory care well, and we are sharing them with you to help you make this decision for someone you love.

Sign 1: Frequent Wandering and/or Getting Lost

One of the most concerning behaviors associated with dementia is wandering, which could also be the most apparent sign that your loved one may need to transition from assisted living to memory care.

Individuals living with dementia may become disoriented or confused while navigating their assisted living community. Or, they may wander outside the community, which can be dangerous if they are confused and vulnerable.

While assisted living communities allow residents to come and go, memory care communities have security measures in place, such as secured doors and outdoor spaces, to prevent residents from leaving unattended.

Sign 2: Increased Agitation and Confusion

Individuals with dementia may become increasingly agitated and confused as their condition progresses. They may also experience mood swings, hallucinations, and delusions.

Fortunately, memory care communities have caregivers and other team members specifically trained to handle the unique needs of individuals with dementia and can provide specialized care to manage these symptoms.

Sign 3: Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living

As dementia progresses, individuals may have difficulty with activities of daily living. While assisted living care does provide support with daily routines, someone living with dementia may require more assistance than what is available in this type of setting.

Memory care communities have caregivers and other team members readily available to provide specialized care for conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia as well as assist with the activities of daily living. This support is provided, all while ensuring that individuals maintain the dignity and respect they deserve.

Sign 4: Declining Physical Health

Individuals with dementia may also experience a decline in their physical health. For example, they may lose weight, become weaker, and have difficulty with mobility. Memory care communities have team members to help manage these physical health concerns and provide specialized care to ensure that residents maintain their health and well-being.

Sign 5: Difficulty with Communication

As dementia progresses, individuals may have difficulty communicating and expressing their needs. As a result, they may become more withdrawn and less social. However, the caregivers and team members in memory care communities are trained to communicate effectively with individuals living with dementia and provide activities and programs to help them engage with others.

Sign 6: Social Isolation

Individuals living with dementia may become more socially isolated as their condition progresses. As a result, they may withdraw from activities and become less interested in interacting with others. Memory care communities provide a range of social activities and programs to help residents engage with others and maintain their social connections.

Additionally, many memory care communities, like Lakeshore Senior Living in Guntersville, Alabama, offer specialized programs that aim to slow the progression of dementia while supporting socialization.

The decision to move from assisted living into memory care can be a difficult one for families. However, recognizing the signs that it might be time to make this change can ensure your loved one receives the specialized care they need to maintain their health and safety.

If you are unsure whether memory care is the right choice for your loved one, speak with their healthcare provider and the team at their assisted living community. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on your loved one’s health and care needs.

We invite you to explore our website or contact Lakeshore Senior Living today to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community in Guntersville, Alabama.