After a while of your loved one living well in assisted living in Gambrills, MD, you may notice dementia symptoms begin to progress. Many families begin to wonder if the time is right for memory care. At Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, the move from assisted living to memory care is a planned, compassionate process designed to keep your loved one safe, engaged, and surrounded by familiar faces.
Below, we’ll explain how the transition works, the signs it may be time, and what makes our memory care neighborhood uniquely supportive so you can move forward with confidence.
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: What Changes and What Stays the Same
Both assisted living and memory care provide help with personal care, medication oversight, and daily activities. The difference is that memory care layers in specialized support for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel takes it a step further by offering two distinct memory care neighborhoods. Our Bridges neighborhood is designed for residents in the early stages of cognitive decline, focusing on socialization and preserving independence. Our Evergreen neighborhood is tailored for advanced dementia, offering higher staff support, enhanced safety features, and more structured routines.
Here are some other ways that our memory care differs from assisted living:
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Secured, purpose-built neighborhoods that reduce wandering risks while maximizing independence.
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Daily routines and engagement programs tailored to cognitive abilities, interests, and life story.
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Team members are trained in dementia communication and behavior support.
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Thoughtful environmental cues and smaller-scale dining and activity spaces that feel calm and welcoming.
What stays the same? Your loved one continues to be part of the Arbor Terrace family — often with many of the same care team members, chefs, and neighbors they already know. Remaining within the same community helps preserve relationships and routines, easing the emotional load on both the resident and the family.
Signs It May Be Time to Consider Memory Care
Knowing when to move can be the hardest part, especially when juggling commitments and frequent check-ins with a loved one who values independence but is feeling increasingly confused. Common indicators include:
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Increasing safety concerns: Wandering, leaving appliances on, or difficulty managing medications.
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Changes in judgment or behavior: Agitation late in the day, paranoia, or sudden withdrawal from favorite activities.
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Declining ability with daily tasks: Bathing, dressing, or eating independently is becoming inconsistent.
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Frequent emergencies or near-misses: Falls, missed doses, or calls for help are rising.
If these sound familiar, our guide on early indicators may help: Is Memory Care Right for Your Loved One in Gambrills? Key Signs to Watch For.
How the Transition Works at Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel
Making the move to memory care is a big step, and families often feel overwhelmed about what comes next. To help ease those worries, our team follows a structured, supportive process that breaks the transition down into clear stages.
Here’s what you can expect when your loved one moves from assisted living to memory care at Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel:
1. Conversation & Care Assessment
Your journey begins with a thorough assessment by our clinical and memory care leadership. We’ll discuss current routines, challenges, preferences, and goals. This ensures the new care plan fits your loved one’s needs and personality.
2. Family Education & Planning
We’ll walk you through what to expect: how the neighborhood is structured, daily rhythms, communication protocols, and how we support common behaviors like sundowning or repetitive questions. You’ll receive practical tips to talk about the move with your loved one and other family members.
3. Administrative Support
Families complete important paperwork during this stage, including medical assessments, care records, power of attorney documentation, and financial agreements. Our administrative team is here to guide you through each step.
4. Personalization Before Move-In
From favorite music to treasured photos, we encourage families to personalize the apartment and introduce meaningful items that spark connection. Our team takes into account each resident's preferences, interests, and life story, so engagement is truly person-centric from day one.
For a deeper look at our approach, explore What is Person-Centric Memory Care?.
5. Gentle, Coordinated Move Day
Because assisted living and memory care are under one roof at Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, logistics are simpler: familiar team members guide the move, and your loved one sees recognizable faces in a familiar setting. We often schedule the move to coincide with a favorite activity or mealtime to create a positive first impression.
6. The First Two Weeks
These days are all about settling in. We start with a predictable routine, introduce neighbors gradually, and invite participation in smaller group or one-on-one activities. Families are encouraged to visit, share meals, and join activities to ease the adjustment. You’ll receive frequent updates, such as what’s going well, any adjustments we’re making, and moments of joy worth celebrating.
7. Ongoing Communication & Care Plan Reviews
As needs change, we adapt. Regular family check-ins and care plan reviews ensure your loved one continues to receive the right support at the right time.
Emotional Preparation for Families
Transitioning a loved one to memory care isn't just a logistical move — it’s an emotional journey. Families often feel sadness, guilt, or worry, but preparation helps:
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Start conversations early and involve your loved one and other family members when possible.
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Validate feelings and reassure your loved one that this move prioritizes safety, comfort, and dignity.
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Highlight benefits such as specialized engagement, reduced anxiety, and increased safety.
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Maintain connections through regular visits, shared meals, and consistent routines.
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Set realistic expectations as adjustment may take several weeks or months.
Family Support Resources
At Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, families are part of the journey. We offer a range of resources and blog posts on dementia care and communication, as well as family engagement opportunities through events, meals, and shared activities. These resources ensure families feel supported, informed, and connected.
Next Steps for Families in Assisted Living in Gambrills, MD
Transitioning from assisted living to memory care can feel overwhelming at first for families, but with the right planning and support, it can be a positive step forward. At Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, our memory care neighborhood is designed to meet your loved one’s needs at every stage of dementia, with personalized care, meaningful engagement, and a welcoming environment.
Download our free brochure to explore all of our senior living options — assisted living, Bridges, and memory care — in one easy guide.
