When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care

According to the WHO, it's estimated that fifty-five million people around the world suffer from dementia. As dementia progresses, people gradually begin to lose the ability to take care of themselves.

Often, assisted living communities cannot even cater to the level of care that's required. The good news is that there are memory care options within these communities that can help. Unfortunately, knowing when to move from assisted living to memory care can be a challenge.

So, what are the signs you should look for? In this caregiving tips for dementia guide, we'll answer this question so you can plan with your loved one and their care team.

Understanding the Differences Between Assisted Living and Memory Care

While both assisted living and memory care communities offer support, the main difference lies in the specialized care for those with memory impairments. Assisted living focuses on helping residents with daily activities, promoting independence, and fostering social engagement.

These communities typically serve individuals who can still manage some personal care with minimal help.

Memory care, however, provides a higher level of care for those with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff in memory care communities are trained to handle the challenges of memory loss, offering structured routines, specialized therapies, and a secure environment to keep residents safe and engaged.

In fact, studies showed that specialized dementia care was linked to better outcomes.

Signs for When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care

Recognizing when a loved one needs to make the assisted living transition to memory care can be challenging.

The most obvious sign is worsening memory loss. However, you also need to know other early memory care signs.

Increased Confusion

Seniors with memory loss may become disoriented, particularly in unfamiliar situations. If your loved one starts struggling with daily activities, such as dressing or eating, it may be time to consider memory care.

These communities provide the structure and support necessary for residents to remain safe and engaged.

Increased Number of Unsafe Instances

Individuals with dementia or severe memory loss may forget essential safety practices, such as locking doors or avoiding dangerous situations. If wandering, forgetting to take medication, or not remembering how to use appliances becomes an issue, memory care can provide a safer, more secure environment. This reduces the risk of accidents and ensures that your loved one receives the care they need.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes, including mood swings, aggression, or anxiety, can signal the need for memory care. Dementia often leads to significant behavioral shifts that may be difficult for staff in an assisted living community to manage.

Memory care offers more structured approaches and trained professionals who can address these behavioral challenges.

Social Withdrawal

If your loved one begins isolating themselves and withdrawing from social events or activities they once enjoyed, memory care communities offer structured programs that encourage engagement and socialization.

This is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health, as social interaction helps prevent further cognitive decline and improves quality of life.

How Memory Care Supports Individuals with Dementia

Memory care communities are designed to support individuals with dementia by providing a safe, structured environment. These communities offer personalized care plans tailored to the unique needs of residents. Staff members are trained to handle the complexities of memory loss and offer specialized support.

The structured routines provided in memory care help reduce confusion and anxiety, making residents feel more secure.

In addition to structured routines, memory care communities offer therapeutic activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and engage residents, such as:

  • Music therapy
  • Art
  • Memory games

These activities not only promote cognitive health but also provide emotional benefits, helping residents stay connected with others and feel valued.

Another significant benefit of memory care is the 24/7 support offered to residents. This ensures that caregivers are always available to attend to residents' needs, especially during episodes of confusion or wandering.

The Role of Family and Caregivers in the Decision

Family members and caregivers play an essential role in deciding when a loved one should move to memory care. It's important for families to have open, honest discussions about the changes they are noticing in their loved one's condition.

In many cases, caregivers may find themselves overwhelmed as their loved one's needs increase. Transitioning to memory care can relieve this burden, knowing that their loved one will receive specialized care in a supportive environment.

Medical professionals can also help guide this decision. Doctors or neurologists can provide valuable insights into the progression of dementia and help families determine when it's time for memory care. Caregivers should also consider their own capacity to meet their loved one's needs.

Evaluating Memory Care Communities

When considering a move to memory care, you should start with the reviews and testimonials. However, it's also important to thoroughly evaluate potential senior living options in person.

Look for a community that offers a structured environment with a focus on safety, engagement, and personalized care. The staff-to-resident ratio is an important consideration; lower ratios ensure that residents receive the attention they need.

Additionally, memory care communities should offer activities that promote cognitive stimulation and social interaction. These programs are essential for maintaining a sense of purpose and well-being. The environment should also be secure and comfortable, with clear signage and soothing decor to reduce confusion and agitation.

Communication with staff is also vital when making elder care decisions. It's important to choose a memory care community that encourages family involvement and offers regular updates on a loved one's progress. This ensures that families stay connected and involved in the care process, giving them peace of mind that their loved one's needs are being met.

Considering Memory Care? Visit The Watermark at Napa Valley

We hope this guide helped you learn when to move from assisted living to memory care. Here at Watermark at Napa Valley, we make this difficult process as easy as possible.

That's because our community offers a variety of living options, from independent living and assisted living, to memory care. So we can make any transition from one to the other as seamless as possible. If you want to learn more about our memory care program, get in touch with us today.