According to the Columbia University, one in ten older Americans has dementia. Cognitive decline caused by aging or conditions such as dementia may require professional caregiving. A memory care in Salisbury community is the best way to help your loved one.
As dementia or Alzheimer’s advance into the later stages, patients may need round-the-clock care. Even with at-home assistance, the financial and emotional toll of caring for your kin or parent may be too much to bear.
Are you looking for a memory care community in Salisbury, MD? Our staff can help you decide the best action for your parent or kin. Read on as we dive into the signs that your loved one may need memory care.
Neglect of Housekeeping Duties
One of the signs that your loved one needs memory care is difficulty performing daily tasks such as housekeeping. The early stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia will have minimal signs that you can easily spot.
As the condition becomes advanced, your loved one may struggle to perform duties they used to handle independently. You may notice that your parent or kin now has trouble doing duties such as:
- Cooking
- Housework
- Shopping for groceries
- Managing medications
The difficulty of routine tasks may endanger your loved one if their living areas become too cluttered. Forgetting to pay bills is another sign that your loved one needs memory care.
Social Withdrawal
If you notice your loved one becoming socially withdrawn, it could be a sign that their memory is fading. Social withdrawal is a serious red flag and may go as far as your loved one forgetting their friends or family.
This form of withdrawal occurs through social disengagement. Individuals gradually stop attending social events or activities they previously enjoyed. It might be possible that social withdrawal is due to conditions such as depression.
Fortunately, professional memory care services include engagement programs to improve the quality of life of our residents. As one of the early signs of dementia, social withdrawal indicates losing the cognitive ability to socialize with other people. But being in the company of peers can help your loved one feel less lonely.
Getting Lost and Wandering
If you notice your loved one constantly getting lost or losing track of where they are, it may be time to consider memory care. Cognitive decline due to dementia or Alzheimer’s makes it difficult for those affected to remember where they are or even where they live.
It’s quite common for one to get lost or wander. But you can’t ignore the inherent danger your loved one might face. Assisted living in Salisbury, MD, allows you to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing where your loved one is at all times.
Other warning signs include:
- Frequent trips and falls
- Forgetting entire periods of time, such as the year or season
- Eloping for no reason
Even if your loved one is in an assisted living community, consider transitioning them to a memory care community if they exhibit one or more of the above signs. Memory care communities offer advanced memory care services that enhance the safety of your loved one.
High Caregiver Stress Levels
The cost of providing long-term care for patients with Alzheimer’s is about $360 billion, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether you take care of your loved one at home or have at-home assistance, the financial and emotional toll associated with the job will get worse as their condition deteriorates.
Your caregiver may experience burnout or even request more off days, forcing you to take on more duties. If you are caring for your loved one personally, watch out for:
- Higher stress levels
- Loss in appetite
- Feeling frustrated and overwhelmed
Coming to terms with your own inability to care for a loved one is a difficult thing. But that’s where memory care in Salisbury, MD, comes in.
The amenities and services we offer are individually tailored to the needs of our residents. So you can be sure your loved one is getting compassionate and comprehensive care.
Behavioral Changes
In some patients, Alzheimer’s and advanced stages of dementia cause severe behavioral changes. The main symptom to look out for is any significant change that does not reflect your loved one’s character.
For instance, aggressive behavior is a common feature exhibited by patients with dementia. If you find yourself worried about your safety and that of your loved one, then it’s time to begin exploring memory care communities.
Some of the services we offer include:
- Medication management
- Showering or bathing assistance
- Continence management
Alzheimer’s is the fifth-leading cause of death for Americans aged 65 and older, according to the National Library of Medicine. The disease’s high mortality rate calls for an integrated approach that prioritizes the patient’s well-being.
Professional memory care communities have the skills and expertise to provide adequate safety measures for your loved one. Our staff understands how they can redirect negative emotions from residents towards positive outcomes.
Additional Signs of Needing Memory Care
Some signs your loved one needs memory care or round-the-clock attention from an assisted living community will be visible. The following are some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for:
- Weight loss
- Poor hygiene
- Missing key appointments
- Difficulty communicating
- Constant bruises and injuries
Even if your loved one lives in an independent senior living community, they can benefit from attending a memory care community. Transitioning them to a dementia care in Salisbury, MD community guarantees them access to trained professionals with experience helping patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Get Memory Care in Salisbury Today
Getting your loved one into a memory care community is the best decision you can make for them if you notice the early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. A memory care in Salisbury community is ideal for your loved one to get round-the-clock care.
Lakeside At Mallard Landing provides a home-like environment where your loved one can get personalized care. We have a number of services and amenities to meet all the varying needs of residents. Contact us and learn more about the steps you need to take for your loved one today.
