Does Your Loved One Need a Memory Care Home?
Memory loss in a loved one is never easy and can be troublesome to tackle on your own. Even with the help of siblings or caregivers, there will come a time when a memory care center is truly the best option. While you tell yourself it’s for their own well-being and safety, it is still difficult. Is it time to take that next step?
There are some signs that it’s time to bite the bullet and find a memory care home that’s right for your loved one.
Absent-Mindedness and Confusion
It’s often the first clue you may need to seek a memory care facility. Maybe they require you to repeat the same instructions again and again. Perhaps, they misplace their glasses, medicines or wallet on an ongoing basis. But one of the most glaring and saddest examples is when they struggle to place your name. When you notice that forgetfulness is more common than remembering, it’s time to seek extra help with memory care near me.
Daily Activities Become Difficult
When a person begins to experience advanced memory loss, they may find it difficult to do the daily tasks most of us take for granted. It may be time to consider a memory care unit when they:
- Have problems bathing or showering, getting dressed, or brushing their hair.
- Forget to take medications or misplace them. Or, they may take the wrong dosage.
- No longer able to cook or prepare meals. Subsisting on unhealthy foods.
- Unable to handle bills or financial transactions.
If you notice these trends, consider a memory care home for the additional support and relief you need during this trying time.
Mood Changes/Swings
It’s not uncommon for a person’s mood or behavior to take a giant swing as their memory begins to fade. This is hard to watch and difficult for both the individual and their families. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Increased agitation, irritability, or aggression
- Withdrawal from social interactions or activities they once enjoyed
- Apathy or lack of interest in their surroundings
- Paranoia or suspicion towards others
Home care makes it challenging, at best, to manage in their home (or yours). For this reason, a memory care center with its safe, supportive surroundings, not to mentioned trained care givers, is a welcome scenario. They have the experience and knowledge to work with your loved one and manage situations such as these.
Wandering
When a person becomes disoriented or confused, they often take to wandering about or becoming lost in areas they are normally familiar with. Signs to look for include:
- Getting lost on walks or drives in familiar areas
- Forgetting how to return home
- Leaving the house without informing anyone
- Exhibiting restlessness or pacing
If your loved one has taken to wandering outside the house or getting lost, it may be time to look into the security of a memory care home.
Taking note of the above signs is paramount to ensure your loved one is safe, healthy, and has the best quality of life possible. Make an informed decision that is right for you and your family as you make this difficult but necessary step into a specialized care home.
