When To Move From Assisted Living To Memory Care: A Guide For Loved Ones

Health and cognitive abilities can change with age, impacting a person’s ability to safely live independently. Cognitive changes and memory problems, such as those seen in dementia or Alzheimer’s, are key factors in deciding when to move from assisted living to memory care, as they can significantly affect daily functioning, decision-making, and safety. 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. Safety concerns are a primary reason for transitioning from assisted living to memory care, especially when issues like wandering or increased vulnerability arise. It’s important to understand both the physical and cognitive needs of your loved one when considering this move. Here are some common signs that may indicate a need for memory care, helping families recognize when it’s time to consider this transition.

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. Many families face similar decisions, and memory care varies depending on each individual’s needs, so it’s important to assess safety, independence, and quality of life when considering your options.

Introduction to Care Options

When a loved one begins to experience memory impairments, such as those caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, understanding the available care options becomes essential. Senior living communities offer a range of environments and services designed to support older adults at different stages of cognitive decline and daily living needs.

Independent living communities are best suited for seniors who are still able to manage most aspects of daily life on their own, offering a social and maintenance-free lifestyle but limited support for those with memory loss. Assisted living facilities provide more hands-on help with personal hygiene, medication management, and other daily activities, making them a good fit for individuals who need some assistance but do not yet require specialized care.

As memory impairments progress, however, the need for more supervision and specialized care often increases. Memory care facilities, also known as memory care communities, are specifically designed to support individuals with dementia and other cognitive challenges. These communities feature safety measures such as secured entrances, flowing floor plans to reduce confusion, and staff members who are specially trained to address the unique needs of residents with memory loss. In a memory care setting, residents receive not only help with daily living but also mental stimulation, social engagement, and a supportive environment tailored to their cognitive needs.

Family members play a vital role in the care journey, from helping to choose the right senior living community to participating in care planning and ongoing support. Many memory care facilities offer resources for family caregivers, including educational programs, counseling, and respite care to help reduce stress and support the well-being of the entire family.

It’s important to consider the financial aspects of memory care as well. Options such as veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and private pay can help families find the right support for their loved one. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association provide valuable guidance and resources to help families navigate these decisions.

By learning about the different types of senior living communities and involving family members in the process, families can ensure a seamless transition from assisted living to memory care when the time comes. This proactive approach helps create a safe, supportive environment where loved ones with memory impairments can thrive, and family caregivers can feel confident in the care their loved one receives.

Sign 1: Frequent Wandering and/or Getting Lost

One of the most concerning behaviors associated with dementia is wandering, which is one of the obvious signs that your loved one may need to transition from assisted living to memory care.

Wandering is a serious safety concern and often signals the need for memory care. Frequent incidents such as leaving the stove on or unexplained falls are additional obvious signs that 24/7 monitoring in memory care may be necessary.

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 experience increased confusion and agitation as their condition progresses. They may also experience mood swings, hallucinations, and delusions.

Changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as severe agitation, paranoia, or aggression, require staff trained specifically in dementia care. Memory care communities have caregivers and other team members who are equipped to manage and support the emotional and behavioral issues associated with dementia.

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. Neglecting personal hygiene is a common sign that daily living support in assisted living is insufficient, and more comprehensive personal care may be needed. Dementia symptoms can make it difficult to maintain personal hygiene and daily routines, increasing the need for specialized support. 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. Memory care staff are trained to manage medications and provide assistance with personal care tasks, including bathing and hygiene. Residents in memory care facilities benefit from individualized care plans tailored to their cognitive status and personal history. 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 experience weight loss, become weaker, and have difficulty with mobility. Addressing residents’ physical needs is especially important, as cognitive decline can make it difficult for them to communicate discomfort or physical challenges, which may lead to misunderstood behaviors. 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. Memory care facilities typically offer 24-hour supervised care and higher staff-to-resident ratios compared to assisted living facilities, allowing for better support of residents’ physical and cognitive needs.

Sign 5: Difficulty with Communication

As dementia progresses, individuals may have difficulty communicating and expressing their needs, which can lead to difficulty socializing and participating in group activities. 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. Memory care communities also support residents’ mental health by offering structured activities and social engagement to prevent isolation and address emotional well-being. Additionally, memory care offers a more secure environment, specialized staff, and tailored programming specifically designed to manage symptoms of dementia.

Sign 6: Social Isolation

Individuals living with dementia may become more socially isolated as their condition progresses. Social withdrawal is a common symptom, leading to avoidance of activities and increased isolation. 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. Memory care staff gently encourage residents to participate in these activities and maintain relationships within their loved one’s community, helping to address social withdrawal and promote a sense of belonging. Bringing familiar items from the assisted living community can also help your loved one feel more at home in memory care.

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.