Dementia is a progressive disease, which means that needs change over time. In the early stages, individuals may still be able to live at home with some support, but as the disease advances, safety, health, and quality of life often require more specialized care. For many families, this raises an important and sometimes difficult question: when is it the right time to consider memory care assisted living?
“Although today’s memory care communities are a far cry from the facilities of the past, caregivers and family members may still feel hesitation about placing their loved one into a ‘home,’” says our ED. “The stigma is still there, paired with the guilt that many people feel about not being able to provide care themselves.”
Why Memory Care Can Help Families Thrive
Memory care assisted living can provide the very best support — not only for the person with dementia but also for family caregivers. With compassionate team members, around-the-clock care, and a focus on creating genuine connections, memory care communities help both residents and families thrive.
That’s why it’s important to understand the signs that may indicate it’s time to make the move. Recognizing these signs early can make the transition smoother and give families greater peace of mind.
5 Signs to Watch For
1. A dementia diagnosis
It sounds obvious, but once an individual has been diagnosed with dementia, it’s time to start the conversation about memory care. While most seniors wish to live at home for as long as possible, the fact is that a memory care assisted living community may be the best place for ensuring their safety and continued quality of life. Although it may be difficult to hear, a dementia diagnosis gives you the time to start exploring and visiting potential communities in your loved one’s area.
2. Increasing caregiver stress
Most individuals with dementia are being cared for by family caregivers. And family caregivers are very rarely professionally trained. As the dementia journey progresses, the caregiver can find him or herself becoming overwhelmed and burned out. It’s not possible – or feasible – to be a good caregiver if you yourself are stretched to the max. If you’re a caregiver who’s becoming more and more stressed, anxious and overwhelmed, it’s time to consider how a memory care assisted living community could help lighten your load. Your health is important, too.
3. Declining health (for you or your loved one)
As dementia progresses, it becomes increasingly harder for the individual to perform daily tasks of life. This can cause a decline in overall health for both them and you as a caregiver. Hazards like falls, accidents and others can cause disastrous results. Plus, stress can cause our immune systems to not function properly, and it’s not uncommon for caregivers and their loved ones to become ill regularly. If you find that your health – mental, physical and emotional – or your loved one’s health is suffering, moving to a memory care assisted living community can help.
4. Lack of socialization
Dementia causes isolation and fearfulness, which can cause an individual to withdraw and seek solitude. Unfortunately, isolation actually worsens the symptoms of dementia as well as depression, anxiety and other emotional issues. A memory care assisted living community provides individuals with dementia not only with caring support, but also meaningful socialization and engagement opportunities. Having friends, activity and opportunities to connect meaningfully with others can greatly improve the quality of life for your loved one.
5. Your gut is telling you it’s time
We as human beings don’t trust our instincts enough. Pause for a moment and ask yourself, “Is it a good idea for my loved one to move into memory care?” If your gut instinct is yes, well, there’s your answer. Pay attention to your instincts and understand that such an action is made out of love – even when it’s a difficult decision. Sometimes the hardest decisions we have to make are the best decisions in the end.
Planning Ahead for a Smooth Transition
One of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved one is the time to plan. Touring communities early, talking with team members, and learning about available services can make the decision less overwhelming when the time comes. Families who plan ahead often find the transition feels less like a crisis and more like a thoughtful, supportive step forward. This preparation can also help your loved one adjust more easily, since the community will already feel familiar and welcoming.
Peace of Mind for Cape Cod Seniors and Their Families
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, respects individual preferences and makes a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Dedicated Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee offers compassionate dementia care and unique programs that are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident – throughout every stage of disease progression. Residents can age in place comfortably and with dignity, while families gain peace of mind.
Support for Caregivers
At Bridges® by EPOCH, we recognize that caregivers also need care. That’s why we offer support groups and educational sessions designed to provide encouragement, resources, and connection. These opportunities give family members a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn strategies to manage the challenges of dementia care. By offering this ongoing support, we help families feel less isolated and more empowered throughout their journey.
Supportive, Engaging Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee, we offer a program of care and services that celebrates life and supports individual strengths. Our compassionate and engaging approach adapts to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour.