There is no right time for someone to transition from assisted living to memory care. In fact, this varies from family to family based on your loved one’s circumstances. If you’re feeling worried about whether you should transition your loved one into memory care, you’ve come to the right place. we have compiled the common indicators to look for that may suggest making the move soon is best.
Assisted Living VS Memory Care
Assisted living is a long-term care program that allows older adults to be independent while still providing assistance with day-to-day basic activities that include medication management, bathing, grooming, housekeeping chores, and plenty more. This is perfect for someone who still has most of their physical abilities and communication skills intact, while still requiring support moving through the day. On the other hand, memory care caters to the needs of individuals who are experiencing some form of dementia or other memory-related conditions. These conditions cause a loss of memory and confusion, and the predictable routine that memory care offers can help to ease their lives. In memory care, you can typically find clear signage, softer colors, and a lack of clutter. Another key difference between the two senior living options is that memory care has a smaller caregiver-to-resident ratio since a person with memory-related conditions has a higher level of care needs.
Signs It’s Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care
When your loved one begins to exhibit behaviors that compromise their safety and that of others, it is usually in their best interest to transition them from assisted living to memory care. If you’re wondering whether it’s time for your loved one to move to memory care, we’re here to help. Here are the signs that may indicate a move to memory care soon is ideal:
- Trouble engaging in social activities
- Forgetting to eat meals
- A lack of hygiene
- Increased aggression
- Getting lost more frequently
- Feeling disoriented in their own private space
- Wandering
- Seeking exits to leave
- Packing their belongings
- Accidentally going into other residents’ rooms
For your loved one’s safety, it is important to catch these behaviors early. However, we understand that sometimes behavioral changes are subtle and that it can be difficult to know when someone is on the path to requiring memory care.
The Importance of Catching Signs of Dementia Early
Often, assisted living team members notice these subtle signs of a memory-related condition before family members do. Some families prefer keeping the same image of their loved one before a diagnosis as admitting this change can affect them emotionally. However, it is important to keep in mind that the mentioned behaviors which may reveal they’re facing cognitive difficulties could place them in grave danger. Moving from assisted living to memory care can help to slow cognitive decline and keep your loved one’s health at its optimal level for longer.
Why Choose The Summit?
The Summit offers a range of senior living options, on top of resort-style amenities and endless opportunities to socialize. Regardless of which option your loved one chooses, you can rest assured that each resident is treated with utmost care and respect for the best senior living experience.
If you have any inquiries about our services, feel free to contact us today.
