Many people eventually realize it is time to consider the benefits a memory care community has to offer. Feelings of guilt and anxiety may be heavy with the weight of this decision because watching a parent or loved one struggle to complete simple tasks often leads to worry about their day-to-day safety. If you are wondering how to evaluate when is the right time to move into a memory care community, it is helpful to know what to look for.
If you or your loved one has started to notice any of the signs below, it is time to look into memory care on the North Shore and talk about the options with your family. Luckily, the more you know the easier it will be to feel confident about the decisions you will eventually make.
Look for any of these 10 signs to let you know a change may be necessary:
1. Progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease that has caused your loved one to wander, become lost or has started other challenging behaviors such as anger or paranoia.
2. A recent fall or history of falling down is a major sign because there is no guarantee that your loved one will be able to get up the next time or reach the phone to call for help.
3. Difficulty managing medications may be forgetting to take certain medications every day or not being able to refill the weekly pill box.
4. Activities of daily life are becoming more challenging or difficult such as cooking, cleaning, or personal hygiene care.
5. Poor diet or difficulty eating well are also signs it may be time to consider assisted living because it is imperative your loved one has access to healthy meals prepared specifically for them.
6. Trouble getting around may be obvious like not driving anymore, but it also may look like difficulty getting up and down the stairs, moving throughout a large home or even accessing closets or small spaces.
7. Home maintenance and yard work is being neglected. For aging seniors regular home repairs and seasonal clean up can become dangerous as there is an increased chance of accidents and falls, and therefore you may notice your loved one is unable to keep up with these outdoor chores.
8. An overall sense of unhappiness may be a sign that your loved one needs a change. Even if they are able to care for themselves, many seniors report feelings of isolation and loneliness and are unsure how to change their situation. If you notice they are spending a lot of time at home alone, it may be time to look for other options.
9. Friends and family do not live close by and your loved one does not really have access to a supportive community of people. It can be challenging if adult children or family live far away and are unable to stop by to visit or check on them regularly.
10. Caregiver burnout is real and is linked to increased health risks of depression and anxiety. Being a caregiver is demanding work, both physically and emotionally. Eventually, it may become impossible for a caregiver to provide all of the support necessary. If this is the case, your loved one may benefit from an assisted living community to allow your relationship to return to a better place.
It is important to know that, more often than not, there’s no one clear sign. You may only see a few of these signs at first, but you may still be feeling like it is enough to move forward. That is ok. If you are reading this list and even two or three of these sound familiar, it may be time to begin planning for a move into a memory care community. Evaluating these signs and talking with your family about a plan for memory care offers you the option to continue to be there for your loved one and provide the support he or she needs while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.
Arbor Terrace Glenview is an award winning senior living community, offering assisted living and memory care options. Find the support you need with the care and assistance you desire in Glenview, IL. Please call 224-616-2422 to schedule a tour today.
