When your loved one has an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, there may come a time when additional support is needed. There’s no set time for making this decision, as every family and situation will be different. At Bridges® by EPOCH, we encourage families to learn about memory care assisted living well in advance of needing it, so you’re prepared when circumstances change.
We’ve outlined some of the key considerations to help guide you on when memory care assisted living may be the right choice for your loved one and family.
Safety Considerations
As Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia progress, your loved one’s safety can become a concern. A home environment may not be completely secure, especially if a caregiver cannot be there 24 hours a day. Your loved one may have a tendency to wander or become disoriented. Memory care provides a homelike environment that is always safe, secure, and has 24/7 support specifically for residents with memory impairment.
Changing Health Needs
One of the consequences of memory loss can be forgetting one’s personal hygiene. Your loved one might not remember the last time they bathed, brushed their teeth, or put on a clean set of clothing. A more serious consequence may be forgetting to take important medications (or taking too much), which can lead to a potential crisis.
Additionally, those with dementia may not be able to prepare meals for themselves, or may forget to prepare meals on a regular basis. Memory care assisted living ensures residents health needs are addressed, medications are managed, and nutritious dining options are always available.
If you notice health issues slowly accumulating, especially to the point where you can no longer provide the type of care you want for your loved one, it may be time to consider a dedicated memory care community that offers 24-hour support and assistance.
Risk of Social Isolation
Those with dementia may start to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and they may withdraw from friends and family as their world becomes more confusing. Socialization, which is important to brain health, is an important area of focus for residents at Bridges® by EPOCH memory care communities.
If you observe your loved one pulling away from things they previously enjoyed and self-isolating, it might be a good time to consider a transition to memory care assisted living. With robust programming and activities created especially for those with dementia, your loved one will find new ways to engage and connect with others through all stages of memory loss.
Caregiver Fatigue
Being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be extremely labor-intensive and emotional. As their condition progresses, the level of care can grow to beyond what is feasible for a family member or friend. Caregiving is a 24/7 job.
When caregiving starts causing stress and burnout, we encourage caregivers to consider memory care assisted living, allowing them to remain actively involved in their loved one’s life but with less burden of the daily caregiving. It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so you must take care of yourself in order to perform at your best for your loved one.
The Benefits of Memory Care Assisted Living
At Bridges® by EPOCH memory care communities, we know that the best outcomes rely on an individualized approach and research-based approaches in dementia care. Our residents thrive with 24-hour care and enriching programs – and our families often tell us they wish they had made the transition sooner.
While the move to residential memory care can be a difficult and emotional decision, it ultimately makes a positive impact for both the resident – and the family caregiver. Benefits include:
- Person-centered care with individualized care plans
- Dedicated care teams with licensed nursing support
- Supervision and assistance with the activities of daily living
- Medication management
- Regular routine with structured daily activities
- Engaging lifestyle designed to support dementia’s unique needs
- Safe, purposefully designed environment
- Nutritious, chef-prepared meals
Memory Care Assisted Living at Bridges® by EPOCH
Our aim is to support those with memory loss and their families as they navigate this new chapter. When the time is right for your family, memory care assisted living can provide peace of mind and security for families and their loved ones alike. Our welcoming memory care communities create a purposeful and engaging lifestyle for our residents, so you can focus on just being family. Find a community near you, and give us a call to schedule a tour.