Moving from Assisted Living to a Memory Care Facility

How do you know when it’s time for a loved one to receive memory care services? Understanding the warning signs and stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s can help you make an informed decision about choosing a senior living community that is the best fit for the services that may be needed.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Early Dementia Warning Signs

Seniors begin to forget things more frequently as they age. However, they will usually be able to recall them later. For a person experiencing the early to moderate stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they may find it increasingly difficult to recall information they have just recently learned. This is not an everyday type of forgetfulness. These individuals may begin relying more on their loved ones or other methods of keeping track of things.

Memory loss is not the only warning sign of early stage dementia or Alzheimer’s. Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty with familiar tasks
• Changes in personality
• Poor judgement
• Withdrawal from socializing
• Misplacing things
• Problems speaking
• Problems writing
• Difficulty judging the passing of time
• Struggling with dates
• Difficulty following a plan
• Struggling with problem-solving
• Loss of initiative

Symptoms of Late Stage Dementia

The symptoms of early to moderate stage dementia or Alzheimer’s might be subtle or confused with the symptoms of aging. However, as dementia or Alzheimer’s progresses to late stage or severe, the symptoms cannot be overlooked. They can include:

• • Needing around the clock assistance with daily activities and personal care
  • Increasing difficulty or losing the ability to communicate
  • Losing physical capabilities (such as walking, sitting, and eventually, the ability to swallow, to control the bladder, and bowel function)
  • An increased susceptibility to infections

Changing from Assisted Living to Memory Care – When to Make the Transition

If you believe a loved one is exhibiting early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. A doctor will diagnosis whether they are simply aging or truly experiencing the early stages of memory loss. The symptoms of early stages of dementia can present challenges for day-to-day living that should not go unaccounted for.

An individual with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s who is living independently or in an assisted living facility can greatly benefit from a facility that also offers memory care services. More retirement communities are recognizing the need for memory care services that serve those in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, not just the later ones. Fortunately, facilities that specialize in the early stages are now more widely available. These memory care facilities offer as-needed skilled nursing care to give residents the services and structure they need to enjoy their lives without the daily impediments that may come with their memory loss. Many memory care facilities also help spouses live together for longer. Just because one or both partners need assistance with daily tasks, it doesn’t mean they have to live apart.

For individuals experiencing more severe dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms and who require full-time monitoring and assistance, a dedicated memory care facility can be the most beneficial option. A memory care facility will give them the attentive and expert care they need around the clock. In addition to being cared for by a skilled staff, these facilities also provide the safe and secure environment these individuals need to give their loved ones and family members peace of mind.

Memory Care Requirements

To be accredited as a memory care facility, certain requirements must be met. When a new resident is seeking the services of the facility, their staff who is experienced with memory care needs does a thorough assessment of each individual. From this assessment, a personalized plan of care is developed to service their unique needs accordingly. To provide care for residents with memory impairment, staff must also have the proper qualifications, training, and education. From registered nurses to Certified Dementia Care Practitioners (CDPs), the staff must be able to understand the specialized needs of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s and possess the skills necessary to respond and care for them, whether full-time or as-needed.

The memory care facility must also offer activity programming for individuals with memory impairment that match the resident’s cognitive ability, reasoning ability, physical function and more. From behavior management to personal hygiene assistance, daily meals and other services – an accredited memory care facility offers the services residents with memory impairment need in a safe and supportive physical environment.

Memory Care Near Me

Looking for an assisted living facility with memory care or a dedicated memory care facility near you? Choosing the right memory care community can help you or your loved one thrive with convenient access to all of the services that are needed. Copeland Oaks offers both options from our 250-acre campus. Our staff and Certified Dementia Care Practitioners (CDPs), skilled nurses and doctors provide the daily care individuals with memory impairment need. We also provide therapeutic activity programming seven days a week.

Our Donald R. James Assisted Living Memory Care Wing is located in the Assisted Living apartment complex. Ideal for individuals in early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, residents can choose from studio and one-bedroom suites where they can live independently or with a spouse and receive as-needed skilled nursing care. They only pay for the services they need. In our secure environment, we provide 24-hour security, an urgent call system and access to a 24-hour health center. They also have convenient access to campus social activities to stay engaged.

For individuals in later stages of dementia, we also offer full-time long term care in our Crandall Medical Center. In Crandall, rates include a private room with accessible bathroom, 24/7 nursing staff, added safety features and more in a secure environment. Since this facility is also located on our campus, it makes the move easier for individuals who progress from requiring the as-needed care available in our assisted living with memory care apartments to around the clock services and monitoring.

If you have questions about memory care or the services that are best for your loved one, contact us and we’ll help you understand your options in clear, hassle-free way.