When does someone experiencing progressive cognitive decline need more comprehensive services? These nine cognitive and emotional signs that a loved one may be ready for memory care indicate a need to explore your options.
After a person is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia, they may still have a lot of good days. However, as the disease progresses, every day may become challenging. Eventually, your loved one will need 24/7 supervision to remain healthy and safe.
Cognitive and emotional signs someone may be ready for memory care
These nine signs can help you decide if a loved one’s needs are greater than you can manage as their caregiver, if they are no longer safe living independently, and/or if they are ready for memory care.
1. They’re confused or disoriented.
Your parent may forget who you are and call you by a sibling’s or a long-lost relative’s name. They may be convinced that they’re not in their own home. They may even forget how to use common items like a fork or a comb.
2. They’re getting lost.
In the beginning stages of dementia, your dad may get turned around on a walk around the neighborhood or while running an errand. As the disease progresses, he may wander outside, thinking he has to “go to work” and have no idea how to get home or even forget how to find his own bathroom or bedroom.
3. They’re exhibiting poor judgment.
While your loved one may have been very responsible in the past, you may find that they are now making poor decisions that are impacting their life. Perhaps they’ve frequently left the house without their walker, ordered many expensive things they don’t need or can’t afford, or become the victim of a scam. This poor judgment could eventually have dire consequences.
4. They’re frequently misplacing things.
Maybe your mom continues to lose her glasses or purse, and more frequently, you’re finding her belongings in odd places like the refrigerator or a trashcan. Not only is she unable to retrace her steps to locate these things, but she might also accuse people of stealing them.
5. They’re having a hard time communicating.
Having trouble finding words or recalling a name happens to all of us, but it becomes increasingly frequent with dementia. That difficulty will escalate until your parent has difficulty understanding what others are saying and forming a response, which means they’re unable to hold a conversation. At some point, they may not be able to even communicate their needs.
6. They’re withdrawing from social situations.
Because those with dementia have trouble following a conversation or expressing themselves, they may avoid social situations to prevent embarrassment. However, studies have shown that not socializing can actually exacerbate dementia symptoms.
7. Their moods and behavior have changed.
Your loved one may not be acting like themselves. They may be depressed and no longer doing the things they enjoy. They may also have lost their inhibitions or often become agitated. Such unpredictable behavior can reach a point where it’s difficult to leave the house for outings and errands.
8. They’re experiencing delusions or hallucinations.
You’ve given your parent their medicine every night for a year now, but suddenly, they’re convinced you’re trying to poison them. They could also begin to see or hear things that aren’t there, like someone outside the window trying to break into the house.
9. They’re making other people feel unsafe.
When someone feels as though others are trying to hurt them or that they have lost control, they can lash out and become verbally or physically aggressive toward you or others. While you may be able to calm them down now, there may come a time when you aren’t able to.
In addition to these cognitive and emotional indicators that a person may be ready for memory care, you can also look for physical signs.
Pay attention to the person’s caregivers, too, if they are no longer able to keep up with caregiving demands.
Finally, get expert insights, from medical professionals and others experienced in working with cognitive decline and geriatrics. Some of these signs could indicate other medical issues, which the individual’s doctor can help identify.
Next steps as a person becomes ready for memory care
It’s impossible to predict when your loved one will need this higher level of attention. Families may realize that the time has come, says Jessi Weldon, EVP of Primrose Retirement Communities, “when the care needs of a loved one exceed what can be managed at home” or when safety concerns multiply. Other tipping point indicators “can include frequent wandering, periods of frustration, or significant cognitive decline. … Families may worry about the risk of falls, wandering, or the inability to manage medications, prompting them to consider memory care as a safer option.”
“Older adults with cognitive impairments require specialized care, which has led to the rapid growth of memory care units across the country,” reports McKnight’s Senior Living, a media brand serving senior communities.
“Memory care communities like Primrose Silver Lace offer specialized care and support tailored specifically for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Weldon. “This means your loved one will receive personalized care plans and engagement programs designed to meet their unique needs.”
Weldon points to other benefits of communities with memory care support, such as safety features to prevent wandering and to ensure residents’ well-being, including secure environments and 24-hour supervision by trained staff. Other benefits are community activities and programs as well as amenities such as private dining rooms, libraries, theaters, and social events.
Researching Memory Care Facilities
In the meantime, you can consult with local professionals and support groups. Their knowledge and experience provide needed encouragement and guidance. National resources include:
You may believe that you can take care of all your loved one’s needs now and down the road. However, because dementia is progressive, preparing for the day when you can’t care for them is more realistic.
While the decision to move your loved one to a memory care facility might not be easy, it can be a smart and kind decision.
