People living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia often have measurable brain changes before they show signs of cognitive decline. In most cases of dementia, brain changes appear very slowly. That’s why your loved one may not require specialized dementia or memory care in the early stages.
However, it’s important to know when dementia care is needed for their safety and overall quality of life and well-being. This blog from Emory Mills Senior Living explores what warning signs to watch for to help make the decision with confidence.
Signs of Dementia
How do you know when it’s time to consider a memory care community? Some telltale signs that your loved one needs memory care support include:
- You feel exhausted and overwhelmed by your caregiving duties, but your loved one still needs more assistance and enrichment.
- Your loved one never leaves the house and is becoming increasingly isolated and depressed.
- You can’t afford to pay for an in-home aide, or an in-home provider cannot fully meet your loved one’s needs.
- Your loved one is having more accidents, or you’re worried that a fall or other accident is inevitable.
- They are not safe at home because they leave the stove on, hallucinate, or aren’t sure how to use the phone to seek help.
- They can no longer manage daily living activities such as bathing and using the bathroom, and you can’t provide enough support to help.
- Your loved one shows signs of severely impaired judgment, such as buying a new puppy or inviting a homeless person to live in the basement.
As Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, 24-hour care will be necessary. Living in a specialized community designed for older adults with cognitive decline can help provide access to medical care, prevent isolation, and even help a loved one live longer by preventing falls and accidents.
If you’re unsure whether your loved one is ready for memory care, share your questions and concerns with their primary health provider for further guidance. It’s better to take a proactive approach and begin exploring more avenues for care rather than wait until an emergency arises.
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Additional signs your loved one may be ready for dementia care
When you don’t see your aging loved one as often as their caregivers, you may not realize that memory care is needed. Watch for these additional signs that it may be time to consider dementia care:
- Unkept or unclean appearance.
- Stale or expired food in the refrigerator or pantry.
- Unpaid bills or letters or calls from creditors.
- Increased car accidents or dents in the car.
- Signs of fire in the house, such as charred walls or damaged appliances.
- Poorly maintained house.
- Neglected plants or animals.
- Decreased contact with friends and family.
- A doctor who is concerned about your loved one living alone.
- Friends or family who see your loved one regularly expressing concern.
Many families worry that transitioning an older adult with dementia to a memory care setting will be difficult. Yet, most find that the transition alleviates stress and allows their loved one to have a more active and fulfilling life. Even with dementia, life can be rewarding. Now is the time to plan for a brighter, more social, and supportive community for your loved one.
Find compassionate care and specialized support at Emory Mills
Offering a scenic view of the valley with the convenience of city living, family-owned Emory Mills provides assisted living and memory care to older adults. The comforting, secure, and homelike environment supports each individual with person-centered care and the specialized and research-based I’m Still Here ® approach to meaningful and purposeful living, also known as The Hearthstone Difference.
Download our “Understanding and Navigating Memory Care: A Comprehensive Guide” for free to learn more about memory care for your loved one.
