Is it Time to Move a Loved One into Memory Care?

Caring for a parent or a spouse with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is a difficult task. As the disease progresses, families become concerned about their ability to keep the person well cared for and safe. For some families, trying to hang on and care for a loved one at home may be creating a situation that is not optimal for the individual or the caregiver. 

Experts say there are signals that more care is needed such as is the person eating regularly and have they lost or gained an unusual amount of weight lately. Do you suspect the person is missing medication doses or may be taking too much medication? Have they fallen recently? Have you found the burners on the stove left on? Other warning signs may include aggressive behaviors, wondering, or forgetting where they are when they are out of the home. Neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD, director of the Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that “The main reason to move out of a home to assisted living is when there are not enough resources to safely care for the person with dementia at home.”

Another reason for more professional care, and just as important, is caregiver burnout. Experts explain that you should not feel guilty if caring for your loved one is taking a toll on your own health and wellbeing. They also suggest the person may be bored at home. Assisted living facilities with dedicated memory care have activities geared toward those with dementia, and the person may find comfort in being around those in a similar situation. 

If it is time to look into assisted living facilities with specialized memory care, we suggest MorningStar of Rio Rancho. When we open in late spring, we will offer 26 secure memory care suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide individualized memory care. Please visit our website to learn more. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Pease visit our website or our onsite Information Center to learn more about compassionate and loving senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Source: caring.com/articles/move-parent-with-dementia-to-assisted-living