It can be tremendously isolating to learn that your parent is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s vital to remember, though, that you’re not alone.
Studies show that moving a loved one into memory care communities sooner, rather than later, results in better outcomes for patients–mentally, physically, and emotionally as well as for the family members. The following are clear signs it’s the right time for memory care.
Wandering
You might notice that your loved one gets lost on the way to the bathroom or wanders into a different room than they said they were headed. Wandering can be extremely dangerous as your loved one will walk and not realize where they are, or how to get back home. Many people suffering from dementia are also at an increased risk of falling, which can lead to injury or even hospitalization. At a memory care facility, the campus is designed to create a safe environment for those in Memory Care so if they wander they cannot get lost or confused.
Sudden Changes in Mood
People with dementia often experience periods of depression and anxiety due to their condition and changes in their environment. If your loved one has become more anxious and upset than usual, memory care may help them get back to their normal self.
A Cluttered Home
If your loved one is becoming too overwhelmed with clutter in their home or other tasks that take them an extended amount of time, it could be time to start looking into memory care facilities. Your parent might have trouble finding things or start forgetting what they need to do.
An Unsafe Home
If your loved one has become more susceptible to falls or other accidents in their home, it might be time for them to make the switch to memory care. Sometimes the patient needs around-the-clock companionship and supervision, especially if he or she is becoming increasingly frail.
Neglecting Finances
Keep track of your loved one’s mail. You may start to notice that pieces of mail are left unopen and bills are unpaid. Neglecting finances is one of the first signs of dementia for many individuals and can be one of the scariest. If your loved one neglects their finances, they may not be able to make it home or buy food for themselves.
Neglecting Personal Care
You may notice that they have unexplained bruises, bad breath from forgetting to brush their teeth, unbrushed hair, and more. Days and times might be starting to run into each other, and they could be forgetting the last time they took care of their physical responsibilities. A decline in physical appearance can also cause them to become withdrawn or not engage with people as much as they are used to.
Asking the Same Questions Over and Over Again
You might notice that they ask you the same questions over and over again, such as “What time is it?” They may be frustrated if you do not answer their question or get confused when you do not have the answer. This is another sign of dementia.
A Decline in Physical Health
Weight changes, changes in posture, and mobility can indicate that your loved one needs more help on a daily basis. They may be forgetting to eat or eating too much due to not remembering meal times. They could also be forgetting to take their medication. Not taking medication can lead to other health problems, including falls and serious infections.
A Change in Personality
Your loved one might start acting differently than they normally do. They could become more suspicious of others or less affectionate. This change in personality can affect the quality of life and they may have a hard time connecting with people.
If the people that were once important to your loved one seem like strangers today, it may be time to explore options for memory care. As dementia progresses, your loved one may become less able to recognize family members and friends, which can be difficult for the person suffering from the disease.
Finding a Memory Care Facility
There are many signs that your loved one might be ready for memory care. If you start noticing one or many of these and have questions on how to proceed, please reach out to Sharmar Village! Our staff can help you understand the transition of moving your loved one into memory care.
