If your parent or loved one has been diagnosed with a condition like Alzheimer's or dementia, it may be in your family's best interest to look for a memory care community.
These facilities, which operate under an assisted living facility license, offer specialized care designed to meet the needs of patients with memory loss conditions, giving you and your family peace of mind. Here’s how to know if your loved one needs a memory care community.
What is a memory care facility?
A memory care facility is a safe community that specializes in long-term care for patients who suffer from memory-related issues and disorders. The staff at these facilities are trained to provide 24/7 intensive care to residents and treat conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Additionally, there is tight security on-premises to ensure no patient wanders and gets lost on their own.
Often, memory care facilities offer programs and activities that help residents improve or maintain alertness and other cognitive functions.
Signs it's time to consider a memory care facility
Supporting a loved one who struggles with a memory-related condition can be overwhelming and scary — especially on your own. It’s important to keep their best interests in mind when making your decision about the care they deserve.
Here are some signs it’s time to consider a memory care facility for your loved one.
1. Your loved one can no longer remember simple personal, financial, and home maintenance tasks.
It can be concerning when your loved one forgets simple tasks like eating breakfast, paying bills, or keeping up with household chores. At this point, it’s clear they need some sort of day-to-day assistance, and a memory care facility is the perfect environment for that.
2. You're concerned about your loved one's safety at home.
Safety is likely your highest concern when supporting your loved one. If they’ve reached a point where you don’t feel comfortable leaving them at home alone, you should act right away. For instance, maybe they’re wandering outside late at night or trying to drive when they’re no longer alert enough to do so. At a memory care facility, there is security and caregivers on-the-clock 24/7 to ensure the safety of their residents.
3. Your loved one lives alone or with a spouse/relative who may not be equipped to care for their memory loss condition.
Caring for someone with a memory loss condition can feel like a full-time job. If your loved one’s caregiver, whether that be you or someone else close to them, is not equipped to care for them, there is no shame in moving your loved one into a facility that can provide better care.
4. Their social life is shrinking or non-existent.
As your loved one ages, and especially as they struggle with their memory, it’s normal for their social circle to shrink. However, prolonged isolation can harm their overall health and well-being. In a memory care facility, your loved one will have a fuller social life and get to partake in different activities and programs with others who are in the same boat as they are.
5. Their doctor has recommended specialized care.
Of course, if a medical professional has recommended you move your loved one into a specialized care facility, you should consider their input and discuss the decision with your loved one to ensure they feel supported and involved in the process.
Get help choosing the right memory care facility for your loved one.
If you’re looking for the right memory care community for your loved one, Welcome Home Senior Services and Placement Company can help with your search. We proudly represent over 500 senior communities in Miami-Dade, Broward, the Palm Beaches, the Florida Keys, and Lee and Collier Counties. Contact us to begin exploring which one is right for you and your family.