One of the most difficult decisions caregivers will face is knowing when to place their loved one in a memory care assisted living community. There is no hard and fast answer to this question – and it depends on each individual person and each individual caregiver. While logically the caregiver may know it is the right decision for their loved one, actually making the call can be hard to do.
“I’ve spoken with many family caregivers who feel that placing their loved one in a memory care community is a betrayal,” says Michelle Pelham, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community in Nashua, NH. “They may feel guilty because they promised Mom or Dad that they would never put them in a ‘home.’ Or they may be angry because it’s a sign that they have failed as a caregiver. These are all very natural reactions. But I want every caregiver to know that placing their loved one in a memory care community is not a sign of weakness and not a sign of failure. In fact, it is one of the most selfless and caring things you can do.”
Moving your loved one into a memory care community means that he or she will be given the very best possible care for their needs in a safe environment, surrounded by professional caregivers who have been chosen for their compassion and kindness.
“Eventually, individuals with dementia will need around-the-clock care in order for them to live safely, and that’s simply not something a single-family caregiver can provide,” says Michelle. “In a memory care assisted living community like Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, our residents live in a community that has been specifically designed for their unique needs. They receive a personalized care plan based on their health issues, likes, dislikes and personal history, and are cared for by a small group of caregivers who form deep friendships with them. Our purpose is to make this a true home for your loved one where they can live a fulfilled, happy, healthy life – while family members have security and peace of mind.”
When Is It Time?
Michelle says that it is never really ‘too soon’ to place someone with dementia in a memory care assisted living community. “The sooner a person moves into a community, the easier it is for them to identify it as home,” she says. “Plus, they are able to receive the care they need right away, which can help stall or reduce the progression of dementia for as long as possible.”
However, waiting too long to place someone in a facility can cause many issues and drawbacks, she says. “There are many, many opportunities for things to go wrong,” says Michelle. “Obviously, this is not due to any lack of care on your part, but is completely due to the nature of dementia and the progression of the disease. It simply becomes more likely that something will go wrong the longer you wait.”
Have you been wondering whether it’s time to place your loved one with dementia into a memory care assisted living community like Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua? Here are some questions to ask to determine if a move might be a positive thing for you and your loved one.
Is medication management becoming more difficult?
As a family caregiver, it’s up to you to make sure your loved one gets all their medication on a regular basis, as well as monitoring him or her for health issues. It’s also your responsibility to get him or her to the doctor when necessary. In a memory care community, medications are carefully regulated and administered, and the care staff is well-trained to look for indications that a resident may need the help of a doctor. Certain communities have physicians on-staff or on-call who can come to the community – meaning the residents are cared for in the comfort of their own homes.
Is your loved one having extreme mobility issues?
Dementia doesn’t just affect a person’s memory. It affects all aspects of their person, including the ability to walk, move, use the toilet, get dressed and every other task of daily living. As the disease progresses, it can become harder (and more dangerous) for a family caregiver to provide everything that’s needed in order to give your loved one the best quality of life. At a memory care community, the staff is well-trained and equipped to assist residents, prevent accidents and provide everything needed.
Is your loved one wandering?
Wandering is a common symptom of dementia, and if your loved one gets out of the house without you realizing it, the situation can quickly become life-threatening. In order to keep a home secure, caregivers often have to spend large amounts of money to install safety features. In a memory care community, on the other hand, the entrances and exits are completely secured at all times, so even if a resident starts wandering, they are limited to the areas inside the community where they can be supervised at all times. You will never have to worry about your loved one getting lost, getting in an accident or hurting themselves, because the number of employees on-staff means that help is never more than a few moments away.
Are you experiencing greater levels of stress or burnout?
Here’s one of the biggest reasons why it makes sense to move your loved one to a memory care assisted living community: it takes the burden of caregiving off your shoulders. No matter how old or young you are, caregiving is a very stressful job. The stress associated with it has been known to decrease a person’s immune system, causes depression and has a slew of other negative implications for a caregiver’s health. And because caregiving is a 24/7 job, everything else in a caregiver’s life can be pushed to the back burner. Left unchecked, the stress can lead to burnout. Sometimes, moving your loved one into a memory care community provides them with the care they need … and the assistance that allows you to take care of yourself and focus on your relationships.
“When you became a caregiver, you promised your loved one you would take care of them, and moving him or her to a memory care assisted living community is exactly that: taking care of them,” says Michelle. “At Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, we understand that this is an emotional decision, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide you and your loved one with the care needed so that you can focus on living the best possible life and creating meaningful moments that can be cherished for a lifetime.”
A Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides expert memory care within an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, independence and fulfilment in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care
Our programs, care and services are all designed to celebrate our residents’ lives and support each resident’s individual strengths and abilities. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, our memory care professionals work to maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents every day.
Stunning, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning, purposeful design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community focused on enriching the lives of our residents and helping their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features, including soft paint colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations, provide a soothing and easy-to-navigate environment.
Contact us today to learn more.