According to a recent study by the Alzheimer’s Association, over 15 million Americans devote their energy and time to caring for a loved one with memory problems such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease – but sometimes this care comes at a high cost, so there might cause to consider a memory care facility.
Caregivers often find themselves unable to bear the emotional, physical, and monetary burdens of providing home health care to someone with memory issues. At that point, it is the best choice to place a loved one in a memory care assisted living facility.
Signs That Your Loved One Should Be Moved to a Memory Care Facility
It is never an easy decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility. However, there are some telltale signs to let caregivers know when it is the best choice for everyone:
- Wandering – During the later stages of dementia, the risk of wandering becomes much greater and even more dangerous. This aimless traveling raises the risk and probability of falls and injuries just around the house.
- Sundowning – “Sundowner syndrome” is characterized by very agitated behavior that becomes more and more pronounced as the day progresses; it is also a common characteristic of those with Alzheimer’s disease. This may take a heavy toll on caregivers, as it severely disrupts family routines as simple as eating dinner together. This is a common sign that the loved one would be better placed in a memory care facility.
- Aggression – Physical, verbal, and even sexual aggression are frequent occurrences in those with dementia causing caregivers and other family members to feel uncomfortable or even resentful.
- Escalating Care Needs – Is the overall health of the dementia or Alzheimer’s patient at risk? What about the caregiver? Are the patient’s needs going beyond what can be given at home? Answering yes to any of these questions means that it is time to have a serious conversation about the reality of the caregiving situation.
- Home and Safety Issues – Is the person with memory issues becoming unsafe in their current home? The caregiver must be able to ask themselves these questions and answer honestly. Living at home is not worth the safety risk.
- Caregiver Stress – Stress, fatigue, and other symptoms may be just as telling of a sign as the behaviors of the dementia patient that the situation has escalated.
Although it may sound like a tough decision, you can take solace in the choice to move your loved one into an Angels Senior Living memory care facility. Contact one of our Senior Living Consultants at (877) 480-2244 for more information about our facilities.