Alzheimer’s disease and dementia cause a cognitive decline over a period of time, and often, there isn’t an immediate call to action to address it. It becomes complicated to determine when your loved one will need assisted living that is specialized for memory impairments. Here are some of the obvious signs that indicate that its’s time to consider memory care for your loved one.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
Forgetfulness is normal, though it increases with age, and there shouldn’t be a need to worry about it excessively. However, if your loved one is consistently forgetting their routines like paying bills and important dates and names, it could be the first sign of dementia. It’s then time to make a doctor’s appointment. Once the diagnosis proves that the forgetfulness is attributed to dementia, you should discuss with your loved one the prospects of living in a memory care community.
While the wish to live at home is understandable especially during the early stages of the condition, the later stages could pose some significant challenges for your loved one.
Poor Overall Health
When significant memory loss occurs, your loved one may be unable to carry out daily living activities such as remembering medication, cooking, driving, and upkeeping of hygiene. It is also possible to lose track of time and days which can cause sleep disorders like insomnia. Some of the physical signs of poor health can include:
- Neglected personal hygiene
- Poor body posture
- Rapid weight loss
- Frequent injuries or bruises
- Evidence of medication overdose or not taken
Poor Social Life
People with dementia will naturally lose the cognitive ability to effectively communicate with others, leading to a diminished social life. This then exacerbates and worsens the condition further. It is important to provide your loved one with an environment in which he or she can engage the mind through activities or develop positive relationships with others. Living at home may not be the best solution for adults with dementia since their homes may not always have the constant personalized help they may require.
Caregiver Stress
Providing care for your loved ones living with dementia can be very difficult and stressful, especially during the later stages of the condition. As their cognitive ability declines, they can lose the ability to do simple activities. It becomes near impossible to cope and sustain the care needed over a prolonged period as medical assistance increases over time.
Specifically, for the “Sandwich Generation”, having to juggle between your day job, your family, and caring for your parent with dementia can be physically and emotionally draining. Though you may want to take care of your parent, having memory care instead can result in better care and improved health for him or her.
et the Best Memory Care at Lakeside At Mallard Landing
If your family member has a memory-related impairment, our SHINE® Memory Care program represents an ideal solution. We provide specialized care for your loved one along with an array of specific amenities and services that are beneficial for residents with dementia.
We also provide other exclusive senior living options for our residents with varying needs. Contact us today to know more about any of our programs.
