10 Signs That It Is Time To Move Into A Memory Care Facility
Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia are progressive conditions that worsen over time.
So the question is:
When is it time to move into a memory care facility?
In the early stages of dementia your loved one can still be independent but as the disease progresses, your loved one will require full-time care. How do you know when it’s time to move a loved one to memory care?
Harvest Home is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of people living with dementia. Beyond forgetfulness, dementia symptoms can include delusions, agitation, extreme personality changes, confusion, and disorientation that can put you and your loved ones at risk. We know that families are doing all they can to provide compassionate and loving care. We also know that dementia requires specialized care from people who are well-trained to meet the needs of people living with dementia. How do you know when you can no longer provide the care your loved one needs? These indicators may signal that it is time to move to memory care.
1. You worry about your loved one’s safety all the time.
No matter if your loved one lives alone or with you, if you are constantly worried about his or her safety, it may be time to move to memory care. Harvest Home has trained staff that can keep your loved one safe around the clock.
2. You worry about your own safety.
As dementia progresses, many people experience significant personality changes and can develop confusion and agitation that leads to violence or threats of violence. If your loved one is exhibiting these signs and you are concerned about your own safety or the safety of others in your home, it may be best for your loved one to be in a memory care facility such as Harvest Home. We are familiar with these symptoms and know how to help your loved one work through emotions in a productive manner.
3. You are exhausted.
Caregiver burnout is very real and caring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically exhausting. Many caregivers let their own health suffer while they are taking care of a loved one and caregiving alone is not a sustainable situation. Harvest Home has trained caregivers around the clock so you can rest and still be involved in important care decisions.
4. Your loved one is neglecting finances.
If your loved one is living alone, take note of their mail. Are you seeing late notices on unpaid bills? What about creditor and collection notices? Have an open and honest conversation with your loved one about their financial situation. Neglecting finances is one of the first signs of dementia for many and can leave your loved one open to financial scams, putting their finances at risk.
5. Your loved one is neglecting personal care.
Unwashed or wrinkled clothing, body odor, unkept hair, and other personal hygiene issues are another sign that it may be time to move to memory care. It can mean your loved one is missing standard hair and nail appointments, forgetting to bathe, forgetting to do wash, and can be a sing of dementia. Harvest Home provides assistance with daily personal care, allowing the individual to still do what they can for themselves.
6. Your loved one wanders.
If your loved one wakes in the middle of the night or becomes confused and disoriented, he or she may wander. Wandering can be extremely dangerous as your loved one will walk and not realize where they are, or how to get back home. It can put seniors in dangerous situations and leave them exposed to harsh elements in the winter and summer. Harvest Home is a locked and secure memory care home with enclosed outdoor patios to keep your loved one from wandering off without supervision and yet still enjoy the outdoors.
7. Living conditions are subpar.
Early dementia can sometimes present itself as hoarding. If you see that your loved one is no longer caring for his or her home, mail is piling up, food is spoiled in the refrigerator, dishes are left out, and other household messes become uncontrollable, it may be time to move to memory care. Harvest Home services include housekeeping, laundry, and meals at no extra charge.
8. Your loved one is isolated and lonely.
Getting out with a loved one with dementia can be difficult for caregivers and it is very easy for people with dementia to sink into isolation. Feelings of loneliness can increase the risk of depression. Harvest Home has active and engaging calendars with activities that are specifically designed for those individuals living in the facility, based on their interests and their capabilities. The activities are meant to be purposeful and fun while mitigating some of the agitation, anxiety and loneliness that dementia can bring.
9. Your loved one has unexplained physical changes.
Weight changes, changes in posture, and mobility problems can all indicate that your loved one needs more assistance. It may be that your loved one is forgetting to eat, or that he or she forgot they already ate and are eating again. Slow movements may indicate confusion or disorientation. Harvest Home closely monitors every resident’s nutrition and wellness, making sure that he or she is eating well.
10. You want to restore your relationship with your loved one.
Over time, as dementia progresses, you have become your loved one’s caregiver. It has changed your relationship and now you spend more time managing their care than anything else. Moving to Harvest Home will help you reverse that relationship so that you get to spend tie with your loved one doing the things you love to do together while someone else handles the professional care.
Have you or your loved ones experienced any of these signs?
At Harvest Home, we specialize in caring for those suffering from dementia with personalized attention and care while approaching them with patience and understanding.
Please reach out today if you have any questions about next steps for your loved ones. We’re here for you and to ease your mind by making sure your loved ones are cared for safely and comfortably.