When your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or another form of memory loss, it’s natural to have many questions. Perhaps one of the biggest questions that must be answered is whether your loved one will remain at home or move into a memory care community. What is the right choice? And does the right choice now mean it’s the right choice for the future?
“Dementia is a very personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to care,” says Cindy Wirth, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury, a memory care assisted living community in Sudbury, MA. “Some families may decide that in-home care is the right solution for the individual in the early stages of the disease. However, as dementia progresses, your loved one will require more and more assistance to live safely and will eventually need around-the-clock care. When this occurs, a memory care assisted living community is often the best choice for both your and your loved one’s quality of life.”
Cindy says that there is no “wrong” time to move to a memory care assisted living community. “We often tell family members that it is better to move earlier rather than later because that allows the community to become more familiar and comfortable for your loved one with dementia,” Cindy explains. “Ultimately, though, it comes down to your and your loved one’s decision.”
Cindy says that whatever you and your loved one decide, it’s usually a good idea to start touring potential communities fairly soon after your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia. “Looking at options will allow everyone who will be part of the decision-making to come together, weigh options and craft a plan for future care,” Cindy says. “This can help bring peace of mind to you and your loved one because you’ll know you have a plan in place that ensures their wishes are met.”
Home Care vs. Memory Care: Weighing the Options
As you and your loved one consider whether staying at home or moving to memory care is the right option, here are some reasons why a memory care assisted living community may be the best choice for your loved one.
An easier lifestyle for them (and you).
When someone with memory loss lives at home, they (or their caregiver) still have to manage home chores like housekeeping, yard maintenance, laundry, grocery shopping, meal planning, home repairs and all the other details that go into owning a home. This can get expensive if you have to hire people to handle this – and it can be a huge burden for a family member to do it. In a memory care assisted living community, all these chores are taken care of and are included in the monthly price. This takes a lot of stress, worry and work off caregivers’ shoulders, allowing them to spend more quality time with their loved one.
Around-the-clock care.
Care that’s available 24/7 is one of the biggest benefits of a memory care assisted living community. It’s literally impossible for one caregiver to provide this level of care for their loved one – but in a memory care assisted living community, there is always a professional care team available on site to provide care and assistance whenever necessary. The peace of mind that comes from this knowledge can help everyone sleep better at night and greatly improves the quality of life for your loved one.
Enriching socialization opportunities.
Many seniors with dementia become isolated and depressed because they aren’t able to get out and visit with others besides their caregivers. At memory care communities, living spaces are designed with socialization in mind. Besides interacting with other residents, seniors interact with staff and visitors regularly, which helps boost happiness and form relationships. Staff members are well-versed in dementia best practices and take the time to learn about each resident – their stories, their histories and their preferences – so that they can create the best lifestyle possible.
Engaging programming every day.
Memory care communities care for the whole person – mind, body and soul. Beyond providing a safe place to live, communities also have enriching opportunities for fitness, entertainment and mental stimulation. There’s always something going on, whether it’s an art activity, a performance from a local choir, a scheduled outing, a music class or a movie night. Everything is designed to help residents stay engaged while exercising their remaining abilities in a dignified way.
While home care can be meaningful and beneficial to your loved one, moving to a memory care assisted living community during their dementia journey can help provide a higher quality of life for you and your loved one, allowing you to make meaningful moments together while nurturing your relationship.
Exceptional Care & Engaging Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury provides exceptional memory care in a comfortable and engaging environment. Designed specifically to support those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community delivers a wellness-focused lifestyle that respects individual preferences and abilities. Our teams receive ongoing, specialized training so they may help residents safely exercise their independence in a secure, calm environment.
Dedicated Memory Care
Our expert dementia care and comprehensive services are tailored to meet the unique needs of our residents, wherever they are on their journey with memory loss. Our life-enrichment programs are personalized to residents’ interests and abilities, providing joy and meaning in daily life and enhancing emotional well-being.
Purpose-Built Design
Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury is more than a safe, beautiful place to live; it’s truly a home where compassionate, dementia-educated caregivers help people with memory loss live more fulfilling lives. Our research-based design features, including soft lighting and colors, nonglare flooring, directional cues, and aromatherapy, empower residents to comfortably move about their homes with confidence.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.