Caring for an aging loved one is a very difficult task, especially if you start to notice that they are facing significant challenges due to a memory-related condition such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. If this starts to happen, you may be wondering if memory care in Mount Laurel, NJ, is necessary to properly care for your family member.
If this is a question you are asking yourself, there are certain signs you can look for that could indicate that memory care is the next step. In this blog post, we will be discussing common signs of memory problems so that you can feel confident acting in your loved one's best interest.
Self Care Difficulties
One of the most common signs of cognitive decline due to a memory related condition is difficulty maintaining self-care and hygiene. You may notice that your loved one doesn’t look as put together or is having trouble bathing on a regular basis. They may struggle to do their hair like normal or keep up with laundry so that they have enough clean clothes.
Similar to noticing hygiene and self-care differences, seniors with memory conditions may start to lose weight if they are not eating enough or aren’t eating a balanced and nutritional diet. They may also start to become dehydrated if they aren’t able to remember to drink water throughout the day.
If your loved one lives alone, you may also start to notice their environment changing. Their home may start to look cluttered or dirty if they are struggling to keep it clean or can’t remember to put things away. These are very serious signs to keep an eye out for, signaling the need for memory care assistance through a compassionate community in Mount Laurel, NJ.
Isolation
Those battling memory problems often start to self-isolate for a variety of reasons. Memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s can have this effect as it can change their personality and behaviors.
You may notice gradual signs of this as your loved one doesn’t visit their friends as often or leaves the house when they normally would. This can also extend much further, such as a tendency to withdraw from any hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy.
Not only is isolation shown to cause declines in mental health, being alone also has a negative impact on how dementia progresses. Research shows that social isolation can worsen the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s, causing the condition to progress much faster than it normally would.
Safety Issues
Older adults who live alone regularly experience some safety problems as they age and tend to have difficulty with mobility, but this is more severe for those with memory problems. As your loved ones' memory gets worse, they may be unable to remember to do things like turn off the stove or lock the door.
They may also struggle more with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking meals. They may forget to eat or even start to mismanage their medication.
Limited Communication
It is not uncommon for those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia to start having difficulties with communication. They may be unable to organize their thoughts enough to speak complete sentences , or even struggle to enunciate their words.
This can become a serious issue if they are unable to communicate things related to their health or otherwise that you need to know about. This can also lead to further isolation as loved ones are no longer able to converse with others like they once did effortlessly.
Caregiver Limitations
Caring for an aging loved one is already a task that can start to feel very challenging for most people, and can lead to burnout. While you may want to be the primary caregiver for your loved one to ensure they are receiving the best and most empathetic care, this isn’t always the best option for them.
Acting as a primary caregiver can quickly feel as though it is becoming a full-time job, which isn’t something everyone has the capacity to do, especially with other responsibilities piling up at home. This can lead to significant burnout if you are trying to manage this without any help, which is a strong sign it may be time to lean on the help of qualified professionals with years of experience and dementia care training.
As memory loss progresses, it becomes more difficult to care for someone without moving them into a memory care community in Mount Laurel, NJ. You most likely do not have the tools or the resources available that will keep them safe and happy in the long term.
How to Make This Transition
If you believe that your loved one would enjoy a much more vibrant lifestyle in a top Mount Laurel, NJ, memory care community, you will want to work on a smooth and slow transition. This is a big change for your family member and you want to be as supportive and empathetic as possible.
The main thing you need to remember is to be as open and transparent as possible when it comes to communicating with your loved one about this transition. Make it clear why this new chapter is necessary and also how it is going to benefit their quality of life in the long run. Additionally, you can involve them in researching and touring memory care communities in Mount Laurel, NJ, so that they feel like they have some control.
At Arbor Terrace Mount Laurel, we provide a high-quality memory care community that provides countless resources for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Check out this Dementia Care Checklist to get started on your journey to finding care that goes above and beyond.
