If a loved one is experiencing progressive cognitive decline, it can be difficult to know when they shift from being independent to needing comprehensive care. Some indicators can be subtle, especially if you see the person often. These seven physical signs that someone may be ready for memory care indicate a need to explore care options.
When someone is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia, they may continue to live independently. However, these diseases are progressive. At some point down the road, living alone may become unsafe. Even leaving them alone for short periods may pose risks. At such a time, they will need round-the-clock care and supervision.
Physical signs someone may be ready for memory care
To help you know when the time may be right for a person to receive the. additional supervision of memory care, monitor these seven physical signs.
1. They’re having difficulty with everyday tasks.
Your loved one may start to have trouble with activities they’ve done for years, including grocery shopping, doing laundry, and taking out the trash. They may also forget to feed their pets or water their plants.
2. They’re not keeping up with personal hygiene.
Lately, your mom, who has always looked like she stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine, needs help with bathing and dressing. If you’re not there, she may not comb her hair or change out of her bathrobe all day.
3. They’re not eating.
You stocked your dad’s refrigerator with plenty of food last week, but when you stop by, he’s barely touched a thing. He may be forgetting to eat, have trouble making himself a meal, or simply not have an appetite. Plus, some of the food in his fridge is going bad, but he hasn’t seemed to notice.
4. They’re having trouble with toileting.
With dementia, messages between the brain and the bladder or bowel may be out of whack and result in incontinence. A person may also not be able to get to the bathroom quickly enough or forget where it is and relieve themselves in inappropriate places such as a trashcan.
5. They’re forgetting medications or taking them incorrectly.
Everyone forgets to take a pill now and then, but when you find that your parent’s pill organizer still has pills in it from the past three days, they need reminders that work for them – or a professional who can administer each dosage.
6. They’re changing physically.
The person may be losing weight, developing poor posture, having mobility issues, or becoming increasingly frail. When you see your loved one every day, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize these changes, so ask – and pay attention to – others who see them less frequently.
7. They’re unsafe.
Perhaps your parent has fallen repeatedly, left the stove on, or forgotten to lock the front door. Wandering is common for those with dementia and can be dangerous if they stray away in stores or wander out of the house and become disoriented. These behaviors can make you constantly fear for your parent’s safety.
You’ll also want to tune in for cognitive and emotional signs, caregiver burnout, and professional insights.
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 a medical professional can help identify.
Next steps in considering memory care
“Older adults with cognitive impairments require specialized care, which has led to the rapid growth of memory care units across the country,” says 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 Jessi Weldon, EVP of Primrose Retirement Communities. “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, “which contribute to a vibrant and engaging lifestyle.”
It’s impossible to predict when your loved one may need this higher level of attention, even as the physical signs progress. Families may realize that the time has come, says Weldon, “when the care needs of a loved one exceed what can be managed at home” or when safety concerns multiply. By researching memory care facilities early and having a gameplan in place, you can be prepared when the tipping point arrives.
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:
The most important part of caregiving is being realistic and recognizing when your loved one needs more help than you can provide. “Guilt and fear of the unknown are significant barriers [to making the decision],” says Weldon, “and the difficulty of separating from a loved one can be overwhelming.” While it may not be easy to move a loved one to a memory care facility, it could be the smartest and kindest thing in the long run.
