Memory care is extremely valuable for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to live safe, healthy and enjoyable lives. Memory care, and memory care communities, provide structure, support, care and peace of mind for those who need it and their families and loved ones.
Although memory care is beneficial, it can still be hard to make the decision on when the right time for it is and the conversations with your loved one about memory care can be emotional and difficult. VOANS is here to help support and offer guidance throughout the entire decision-making process, so you won’t be alone in facing these challenges.
Recognizing the Early Signs
One of the most important things you can do for a loved one is pay attention to early signals that they may be in need of memory care. Some of the markers to look for include:
- Increasing confusion and forgetfulness
- Having difficulty performing daily tasks including personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning and dressing
- Becoming disoriented or lost in familiar places
- Signs of sundowning — changes in personality, irritability or mood swings toward the end of the day
If you recognize these signs in a loved one, it could be time to start talking with them, other family members and trusted medical professionals about seeking memory care.
Assessing Safety and Quality of Life
In addition to the early signs that a loved one may benefit from memory care, paying attention to longer-term, big-picture factors is also important. This includes considerations for your loved one’s overall quality of life, and taking into account any safety issues or concerns that seem to be more frequent than can be explained by simple accidents.
If you or another family member notices your loved one has been more withdrawn from social activities and prone to isolation, it could be cognitive impairment lowering their quality of life. Diminishing quality of life can also be a factor if your loved one is becoming increasingly dependent on family and friends to act as caregivers. This increased burden can also lead to caregiver burnout, which can result in even further decline in quality of life for both your loved one and the caregiver.
Safety concerns can become a significant issue for a loved one who may be in need of memory care, especially if there is not someone on hand at any given time to ensure that any accidents or unsafe situations are taken care of quickly rather than potentially evolving into much more serious problems. Some of the most common safety concerns that people in need of memory care face are:
- Difficulty or inability to safely use household appliances like stoves, microwaves and laundry machines
- Frequent wandering without a destination or purpose they can remember
- Increased falls or injuries
- Trouble managing things like appointments, medications or personal finances
If the safety and quality of your loved one is a concern and you have also noticed early signs that cognitive function may be becoming impaired, it is probably time for you and your loved one to begin searching for memory care.
Understanding the Benefits of Memory Care
Knowing when it is the right time for a loved one to join a memory care community can be a difficult choice, especially without understanding the benefits memory care can offer. First and foremost, memory care communities can provide 24/7 care that is tailored to your loved one’s needs and fulfilled by caring, expertly trained staff, lessening the burden on family caregivers and giving peace of mind to all. Additionally, these communities are designed for the safety of residents and additional procedures are in place to keep safety as a top priority. Thoughtful and beneficial structure is built into the infrastructure and schedule as well, which can be a significant benefit to those with memory impairment.
One of the best things about memory care communities is the opportunity it gives residents to create social connections, with scheduled events that residents are able to participate in as they wish. There are also programs that can help stimulate memory and cognitive function, as well as games and activities that provide both fun and comfort for residents.
All told, memory care communities offer a safe and positive space for your loved one to live their best life and find enjoyment in the things and people they love, without the burdens that can come with living with memory impairment on their own.
How VOANS Can Help
VOANS offers memory care services throughout a number of communities in Minnesota, Florida and Colorado. We are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to all of our memory care residents and that extends beyond just their health — wellness and happiness are crucial to ensuring our residents can live their best lives. VOANS is also committed to ensuring that family and friends of our residents have the peace of mind they deserve and the confidence they are making the correct choice of care when they entrust us with the care of their loved one.
How To Make the Right Choice for Your Loved One
If you know or believe your loved one is in need of memory care and support, now is the right time to talk to them about transitioning to a memory care community. It is important to help them understand that these communities are not only safe, but also offer comfort, structure, social opportunities and increased quality of life.
VOANS is already a trusted partner for many with loved ones who need memory care services and we would be honored to provide the same for your loved one. Please reach out to any of our memory care communities for more information or with any questions you and your loved one may have about joining a memory care community.
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