It is never an easy question, but it is one that must be asked – when is it the correct time to entrust your loved ones into long term memory care?
There are many reason to entrust a loved one into a care or assisted living community. Ultimately the decision boils down to what level of care are you capable of providing. Even if at first you are comfortable and willing to provide that care, it can wear you down. Burnout can and does happens; it’s time to take positive action for placements BEFORE your own health is jeopardized. An assisted living community or a memory care community are two positive choices to ensure your love one is receiving the level of high-quality care they needs and deserve
Memory Care vs. Assisted Living, which one? Assisted Living supplies services such as meals, medication management, bathing, and other general day to day care. Most Assisted Living communities can even provide support for those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. However, as memory impairment grows, there are two key behaviors that signal memory care may be a better options: a tendency to wander, without the ability to remember how to return home, or combative/hostile behaviors develop. Both of these types of behavior is an indication that a senior could be a danger, not only to others, but also themselves.
Frequently, Memory Care is required when your loved one is experiencing the more advance stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of memory problems.
It is always sad when you need to move a loved one from home to a care community, but when the time comes, it is a necessity. Knowing your love one is in a safe environment and receiving good quality care affords peace of mind that cannot be understated.