When a loved one gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, most families try to care for them at home, and are able to do so successfully. However, that may not be the case for all, as some persons who have greater cognitive decline require more specialized care by trained professionals in specially designed living spaces. Such care and environments are available in retirement communities. Whilst most families are not opposed to such a move for their loved ones as they would be able to receive better care there, they are often unsure about determining when memory care would be appropriate. These signs will indicate when persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s should go into memory care in Cherry Log, GA.
Difficulty with Daily Tasks
Cognitive conditions usually result in decline in abilities over time, so you may notice your loved one progressive facing difficulty with certain tasks they used to be able to carry out with no issues at all. If your loved one is having challenges with basic activities of daily living (ADLs), like having incontinence which requires supplies and equipment, care at home may not be suitable any longer.
Changes in Behavior
Dementia comes with symptoms such as irritability and sundowning. These may be alright to deal with initially, but when the symptoms intensify with the progression of the disease, family caregivers may not be well-equipped enough to handle these as compared to memory care team members.
Accidents and Wandering
Aging in place comes with its risks as most peoples’ homes are not designed for or have not been renovated to include dementia/Alzheimer’s specific features and layouts. It is a cause for concern if your loved one has experienced increased frequency of trips and falls, or injury by home appliances or furniture.
Dementia patients can have episodes of disorientation and confusion, to the point where they wander away from home into other places and are unsure of how to return home. This is a huge problem as they could end up in dangerous situations like accidentally walking onto a busy road.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the symptoms of dementia, but it can reach the point where their physical changes become alarming. If your loved one starts to have trouble drinking and eating, such as choking every time they eat, not wanting to eat at all or eating very little to the point of rapid weight loss, it’s time for a move.
Caregiver Burnout
Indicators that patients should move to memory care may not lie with just the patient themselves. Caring for persons with cognitive conditions is not easy, and it is normal for caregivers to feel stressed or overwhelmed sometimes. However, if the stress and frustration is prolonged and left untreated or addressed, it can lead to caregiver burnout. This refers to a situation where the caregiver experiences a state of mental emotional, and physical exhaustion. If the caregiver displays symptoms like reduced appetite, trouble sleeping or melancholy etc., then it would be better for the patient to receive care at memory care communities at this point.
