It can be a scary, overwhelming experience when your loved one receives a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Naturally, family members want the best for their loved one. But if your aging parent or spouse requires more support than you can provide, how do you know when it is time to move them to professional memory care?
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized, long-term care type designed for older adults with moderate to severe dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory-related illnesses. These communities are designed to meet the specific challenges and needs that can occur as dementia progresses and include:
- Structured daily routine to provide a sense of familiarity and predictability for residents.
- Memory-enhancing programs, such as art therapy or music therapy.
- Safe environment with features like secure outdoor spaces and exits to prevent wandering.
- Staff trained in dementia care who provide 24/7 support for residents.
- On-site medical support, such as medication management and rehabilitation services.
5 Signs Your Loved One Needs Memory Care
Wandering
It is common for people with dementia to become more confused and disoriented as the disease progresses. As a result, they may often forget where they are or wander off from home. The problem with frequent wandering is that it can turn into a major safety concern. At The Heritage of Green Hills, our memory care community offers a secure place for your loved one. Our residents’ rooms are equipped with an emergency call system; staff is on duty 24/7 to monitor and assist residents; and doors lock automatically to keep residents safe.
Difficulty completing basic tasks
One of the most obvious signs that a senior needs more support is when they can’t complete basic tasks of daily living, such as eating, showering, using the toilet and getting dressed. Clues to watch for include:
- Dramatic change in grooming habits, such as unbrushed teeth or missed showers
- Unexplained weight loss
- Empty refrigerator shelves or expired food
- Appearing overwhelmed by daily activities
- Forgetting to take medications or pay bills
Our memory care program provides the perfect balance of care, stimulation and nurturing needed to promote autonomy in a home-like setting. Our services include:
- Large, comfortable private Memory Care suites
- Help with Activities of Daily Living
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Onsite Clinical Lab, Rehabilitation, Hospice, and Physician Services
- 24-hour direct care services and Emergency Call System
- Transportation
- Meals in Memory Care Dining Room
- Medication Management
Significant behavior changes
As older adults progress through the stages of dementia, you may notice extreme mood shifts and emotional outbursts. Our memory care professionals are specially trained to handle the sudden mood swings experienced by seniors with memory impairment. This reduces the possibility of injury and distress for caregivers and residents alike.
Becoming increasingly isolated
Many seniors with dementia start to sink into isolation, declining invitations to social events, like book clubs or church fellowships, because they feel self-conscious about their memory loss—or because they forget about the event altogether. Studies show that isolating at home can increase cognitive decline in people with dementia.
At The Heritage of Green Hills, we provide activities and programs that enhance sensory stimulation, abilities and socialization. These include:
- Group activities and exercise to promote Activities of Daily Living skills
- Two Sensory Rooms
- Aroma and Music Therapy
- Regular Therapy Dog visits
- Secure Memory Care Patio and Sensory Garden Strolling Path
Caregiver stress
Lastly, being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be very challenging and stressful, especially as symptoms worsen. Memory care communities have the resources needed to fulfill your loved one’s needs. This allows you to hand over the day-to-day struggles of caregiving so that you can focus even more on enjoying quality time with your loved one.
Find a Memory Care Community That Brings Peace of Mind
At The Heritage of Green Hills, we want to help put you at ease by caring for the person in your life struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. To learn more, contact our memory care community today.
