10 Signs It’s Time to Consider Memory Care for a Loved One

As our family members age, there may come a point in time when outside assistance is needed, especially in the case of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s never an easy decision to make when it’s time to enlist the help of a senior living community; however, it is often a necessity due to the amount of care that’s needed to properly assist someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care communities are residential communities that can help care for senior individuals suffering from memory loss. Here’s some information about memory care and ten signs that may mean it’s time to consider this living arrangement for your loved one.

What is a Memory Care Community?

Memory care communities are residential communities for individuals who are suffering from memory loss and need extra assistance. This type of assisted living community is specifically tailored to care for individuals with cognitive impairments. Some of the medical conditions that individuals in memory care have include later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory loss conditions. Memory care can be stand-alone communities that only cater to those with memory loss or included as part of a larger assisted living community or senior residence. 

10 Signs a Memory Care Community May Be Necessary

Knowing exactly when it’s the right time to explore memory care communities for a loved one is often a difficult decision. There may be some telltale signs that it’s time to look into memory care options. Here are ten signs that may signify a memory care residence is the right place for your beloved family member:

  1. Unsafe living conditions: There may be instances where your family member experiences unsafe conditions in their home, such as frequent falls, leaving the water running or stove on, or misplacing items. 
  2. Lack of personal hygiene: You may notice that your loved one’s personal hygiene is lacking and they fail to shower, brush their teeth, or change their clothes. 
  3. Forgetful as to date and time: Your loved one may start to falter when it comes to realizing days and times. 
  4. Forget to take medications: You might notice that your loved one’s medications are still full and this may be evidence of their failure to take their necessary daily medicine.
  5. Social isolation: Your family member may be showing signs of social isolation, such as not taking part in their favorite hobbies and refraining from conversations with others. 
  6. Nonpayment of bills: The family member may stop paying their bills or continually pay them late.
  7. Changes in personality: You might notice that your loved one is more frequently upset or agitated by minor things that never bothered them in the past.
  8. Wandering off: There may be one or more instances of your loved one wandering off from home and being unable to return on their own.
  9. General confusion: There might be frequent bouts of general confusion by your loved one where they are unsure of who you are or where they are at that point in time.
  10. Stress on the caregiver: You may find that you, or your family member’s caregiver, is no longer able to provide them with the proper 24/7 care. 

Steps to Take to Explore Memory Care Communities

When the time comes to explore memory care communities, here are some steps you can take to get the process started:

  • Speak with other family members who are involved with the decision-making process and care of your loved one to get their opinion and advice.
  • Consider the area where you want to look for a memory care community for your family member.
  • Visit the potential assisted living communities to ensure they have the proper memory care wing or visit a community that is entirely for memory care patients. 
  • Interview the executive director of the community to make sure it’s a good place for your loved one to live. 
  • Consider services offered and the amount of staff members in the community.
  • Discuss pricing considerations to make sure you and your family members can afford the community you choose. 

This is such an important decision that you want to thoroughly consider all of these options and more so that you choose the right memory care community for your loved one.

Tour Lynridge of Arlington Assisted Living and Memory Care Today 

When the time comes to explore memory care communities in the Arlington, Texas area, schedule a visit with Lynridge of Arlington Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our memory care community offers a secure and welcoming environment for your loved one with all of the memory care services your family member needs. Your family member will receive 24/7 care from our professional and compassionate staff members so you can rest easy knowing they are in a safe environment.

Contact us today to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community and to schedule an appointment to tour Lynridge of Arlington Assisted Living and Memory Care!

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