Families often make significant sacrifices to ensure that an elderly loved one can remain in their own home after receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. It may be necessary to hire in-home caretakers for the elderly, or the older adult may need to move in with an adult child.
Families may face new difficulties as the sickness worsens. Some of these issues are just too dangerous to tackle at home. Some examples of these behaviors are wandering, restlessness, and even violence. Caregivers who take care of people with Alzheimer’s disease often experience burnout and other negative health effects.
Relocating to memory care in Durham, NC that specializes in caring for those with dementia may be the best option.
Memory Care Improves Residents’ Quality of Life
It is known that a memory care program can help an older adult living with dementia regain a sense of control and independence. Also, family members can rest easy knowing their loved one’s well-being is in great hands.
Dementia residents’ quality of life can be enhanced in numerous ways by participating in a memory care program, including but not limited to the following:
- Life enrichment activities in a memory care program are tailored to the individual’s physical and mental abilities and are intended to make the resident feel more useful and engaged in their environment. That is crucial for an elderly person who may be experiencing difficulties with speech and memory.
- Locations were chosen with care because wandering is a problem many families face. The safety features provided by memory care programs are made so that residents cannot wander off. Those with memory impairment are given aids in the form of visual signals, memory boxes, and spacious living areas.
- Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be stressful, and one way to ease their mind is through special dining programs. Dementia patients often experience difficulties swallowing, which can lead to choking. Due to vision problems, it may also be difficult for them to identify individual items on their plate. Concentration issues throughout meals may also be an issue. The personnel in a memory care community is trained to adapt to these situations in order to ensure that the residents are getting enough to eat at all times.
- The caregivers in memory care have specialized training, which is another plus. Most have received extra training on how to best aid those who are living with dementia. Caregivers receive education on how to approach a person with dementia and how to speak with an adult who has lost their speech skills.
When to Move to Memory Care
The following are some warning signals that your loved one may be ready for a move to a memory care community:
- Often getting lost even in a familiar environment
- Not able to take part in regular home activities
- Difficulties with mobility and balance
- The unintended loss of body weight
- Changes in their vision that increase their risk of falling
- Bad financial judgment
- Disadvantages of current continence care practices
The emotional and physical strains experienced by caregivers must also be considered. Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a physically and emotionally draining job. When the days become too much to handle, it is another clue that your elderly loved one may benefit from memory care.
