Moving through life is easy when you’re young and healthy, but it can be much more difficult when you get older. The needs of an aging parent are different than those of a younger person, and their abilities may be compromised by illness or injury. If your parents can’t take care of themselves anymore or need help with daily tasks that are too difficult for them to handle, then it may be time for them to move into memory care near Blairsville, GA. Here’s how to determine if this kind of move is right for your loved ones:
Check For Signs Of Early Dementia
If you are worried that your parents might suffer from early dementia, there are a few signs to look out for. The first is forgetfulness, especially when it comes to things that they would normally remember without effort (such as paying bills or remembering birthdays). Another sign to watch out for is personality changes—your parent’s behavior may change in ways that surprise you and make them seem different than the person you know. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a doctor immediately to determine if further testing is necessary. Depending on the cause of their memory loss and how quickly it’s progressing, many people will want to start preparing for full-time care before moving into assisted living or nursing homes.
Review Your Parents’ Current Home Situation
It’s important to consider the condition of their home. Are there safety hazards? Are they able to maintain it? Do they have a caregiver, and is she qualified to care for them? Do they have friends and family nearby who can help if needed? Are pets in the home, or will they be accepting of pets if you visit them often? This will help determine if they can live alone safely or need extra supervision to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Evaluate Your Parents’ Financial Situation
While finances are not the only consideration, they are an important one. The cost of care is generally more expensive in an assisted living center than at home, so if your parents have a limited budget and cannot afford to pay for care, they may be best to stay there. However, if finances are not a concern for them (or if you plan on helping with the costs), moving them into an assisted living center may be easier for everyone involved.
You can also consider other options, such as less expensive communities or even moving in with you temporarily until their situation improves.
Talk About It With Your Parents
Talk to your parents about it. You may think that your elderly loved ones are too frail or stubborn to be able to discuss the idea of moving into memory care, but this is not always the case. Your parents may be so out of touch with reality that they don’t seem like they could contribute any insight into their situation. But if you ask them how they feel and think about the idea of moving, you might get more information than you were expecting!
Asking personal questions can be tricky—and even uncomfortable—for everyone involved in this conversation. But when it comes down to it, finding out exactly how your aging parents view their situation will help determine whether or not a move makes sense for them and their family members. It’s important for everyone involved (including caregivers) to know exactly what each person wants before making any decisions about where an aging parent should live or who should make those choices for them.
Conclusion
The decision to move into memory care is one that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to consider all the factors involved, including your parents’ current home situation and finances. You may also want to talk with them about their feelings on the idea of moving into a community. Once you have decided and know which community will best meet their needs, it’s time for a tour! Take some time out of your day and visit each community on your list to see how it compares with others in terms of meals, activities, etc.
