Is my loved one ready for memory care is one of the most common questions asked during tours. “They are not there yet, or are they?” What is the “yet” that is often waited for? Unfortunately there is no magic formula that can predict the exact day and time when memory care will be needed. Dementia is ever evolving and ever changing. Day by day we evaluate our loved ones to see what the current needs are and ask ourselves if they can be met at home. There are many factors involved in deciding is it time for a memory care?
The number one question to ask is “are they currently safe?”
Can they be trusted to be left alone without them wondering, without them starting a fire while preparing a meal. Are they able to meet all their needs such as bathing, dressing, toileting and most importantly can they manage their own medication. Find more information at https://www.alz.org/
Caregiver burn out is very real, and can have dire consequences.
If a spouse or a child is the primary caregiver and are meeting the daily needs of their loved one, are they ok? Their own health both mental and physical can start to deteriorate. There is a lot of guilt associated with placement, but when is it time to let go and return back to the role of a spouse or child rather than care provider?
What if a resident is already in a community, why chose memory care verses assisted living?
Memory care is a lot more than an assisted living with locked doors. The staff are trained in dementia behaviors and are able to manage them with experience and knowledge. The documentation and oversight is also much more detailed as dementia care providers are trained to be the eyes, the ears and the advocates for our residents.
Assisted Living on Broadway is there to answer any of these questions for you. We are trained to help navigate this difficult journey and can offer advice and expertise.