5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Full-Time Memory Care

While watching a loved one live a long, fulfilling life is a gift, figuring out the right time for professional memory care can be a challenge. 

Here at Haciendas at Grace Village, we know that witnessing a loved one struggle with daily activities can be not only overwhelming but heartbreaking, too. We understand that the decision to transition your parent or grandparent to a full-time memory care facility isn’t a quick or easy one. 

At the same time, choosing high-quality care is crucial for maintaining your loved one’s quality of life as they continue to age. If someone you care for is showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, one of the most loving actions you can take is to find the right memory care community so they can get the care they need as quickly as possible. 

So, if you have found yourself wondering things like, “How do I know when it’s time for memory care?” continue reading. Our competent team of memory care professionals has outlined 5 key signs that it’s time for professional memory care, and how we can help support you through this journey.

5 Signs That Your Loved One Needs Full-Time Memory Care

Before we dive in, it’s important to remember that memory loss due to conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia doesn’t always happen overnight.

As a result, noticing the subtle signs of cognitive decline is integral to the decision process. While we’ve outlined 5 key indicators that it’s time for memory care below, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff. Each individual is unique, and we’re happy to provide more direct, personalized guidance for you and your loved one.

1. Safety Concerns: Wandering and Physical Risks

One of the first signs that it’s time to consider memory care is when your loved one begins to exhibit behaviors that put them in danger.

Wandering is a common issue. In fact, The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that up to 60% of individuals with dementia exhibit wandering, often due to losing track of their surroundings or sense of direction. This can lead to dangerous situations, such as getting lost or inadvertently putting themselves in harm’s way.

Falls are another significant risk as cognitive decline affects balance and coordination, making falls more likely.

When choosing a memory care facility, look for one that has these safety concerns in mind. At Haciendas at Grace Village, each building is designed to not only provide a comfortable, home-like environment for your loved one but also safeguard their physical well-being and security. We also offer four levels of memory care to both meet the needs of each individual and allow for refined support as symptoms and experiences evolve.

2. Declining Ability to Perform Daily Activities

To reiterate, each individual will face unique challenges as they experience memory loss. For some, it may look like forgetting how to make their favorite meals or having difficulty remembering to eat. For others, it may present as an inability to maintain personal hygiene.

If your loved one is forgetting to take medications, neglecting to eat, or struggling to dress themselves, it may be time to consider specialized care.

High-quality memory care facilities are designed specifically to help individuals who can no longer maintain their daily activities. Here at our memory care community, our competent and compassionate staff is proud to provide the support your loved one needs to maintain their quality of life despite these changes.

Tasks that, alone, can be overwhelming or unsafe, become manageable again with the empathetic guidance of our 24/7 staff.

3. Behavioral and Emotional Changes

Perhaps one of the most painful changes that can be witnessed in individuals experiencing memory loss is that of personality and behavior.

As dementia progresses, it’s common for individuals to experience mood swings, increased anxiety, or even aggression. Emotional regulation becomes harder, which can lead to confusion or frustration. If your loved one is showing significant changes in their behavior or experiencing challenging emotions more regularly, memory care may provide the right environment where they can be supported by professionals trained in dementia care.

It’s also important to remember that while these shifts in personality and behavior are considered a common facet of dementia progression, they can affect the mental health of your loved one as well.

When choosing a memory care facility, make sure to find one that takes emotional well-being into consideration — not just physical health.

4. Isolation and Withdrawal

Building on the previous sign, social withdrawal can be another major red flag. People with advanced memory loss often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or may even stop communicating altogether.

If your loved one is withdrawing from social interaction, it may signal a decline in both their emotional and cognitive health.

Knowing that your loved one may be struggling emotionally as well, it’s especially important to find a memory care facility like Haciendas at Grace Village that emphasizes mental health as well as physical health. A memory care community can provide the social engagement that people with dementia need, offering structured activities that promote socialization and cognitive stimulation.

5. Caregiver Burnout

Your loved one may be the one going through memory loss or cognitive decline, but the effects of that experience can reverberate throughout a family. 

Have you held the position of primary caregiver for some time now? If so, it’s crucial to be aware of the possibility of burnout. Most easily recognized by the feelings of overwhelm that come with caregiving, caregiver burnout is a serious concern. It’s also a completely valid reason for transitioning your loved one to a professional memory care facility. 

While it might be a difficult choice to make, it can have a positive impact on your relationship with your loved one. By alleviating the pressure of caregiving, you can offer your loved one the opportunity to reconnect with you as their family member or friend, rather than their caregiver. 

Providing Peace of Mind for Families

Transitioning a loved one into memory care is a big, complex decision. 

It’s also often the best option for preserving their health and safety as memory loss progresses. By being equipped with the ability to recognize signs of cognitive decline, you can now make an informed decision about when to move forward with professional memory care. 

The next hurdle is finding a memory care facility for your loved one that truly meets their physical, emotional, and safety needs. When you’re ready to explore memory care options, reach out to our team. Our experienced staff is here to help you navigate this difficult transition with compassion and competence, so your loved one can get the support they deserve.