Memory care facilities are a specialized type of long-term residential care developed to meet the needs of individuals with cognitive and memory disabilities. Memory care facilities are often located on the same premises as an assisted living facility but provide additional protections and precautions that allow those with dementia to live in a safe, structured setting with as much autonomy as possible. Caring for an elderly family member with memory loss or other forms of dementia is an extremely challenging process that demands a lot of time. If caring for your loved one is becoming too much of a burden, or you feel that you can not provide a safe and mentally enriching life for them, you may wish to consider long-term memory care.
Challenges of Helping A Family Member ‘Age-At-Home’
Some Americans choose to stay in their house as they age and accept the challenges and complications it can bring, getting help from friends and family as needed. However, for those with lessened mental capacity or dementia, much more reliance is placed on a caregiver – often a friend, family member, or spouse – that is not qualified or prepared for the enormous set of tasks ahead. Family caregivers are typically not qualified medical professionals and do not possess the knowledge or physical strength to care for a loved one with severe medical issues.
Even if they are able to dedicate all of their time to caregiving, unskilled caregivers have high burnout. Watching a loved one forget their family, act needy and emotional, or retreat inward and lose their personality can also be too much for the average person to bear. Not only can seeking alternative living arrangements for your elderly family member improve their quality of life as they age, but it can also save you from heartache, stress, and overwhelming feelings of sadness.
How Memory Care Makes a Difference
Compared to a home, memory care or assisted living facilities are also much safer and conducive to a healthy lifestyle for your loved one. As dementia or Alzheimer’s patient’s condition worsens, their ability to live unencumbered can quickly deteriorate. Simple everyday tasks like going to the bathroom, preparing food, or remembering to take medication can become next to impossible alone, putting a lot of reliance on their caregiver for their wellbeing. To keep your loved one safe and secure, you need someone who can supervise their movements at all times of the day.
Leaving someone suffering from memory loss at home alone is not recommended, as any potentially dangerous act has its danger amplified if you can not immediately react to help them in that scenario. Encouraging your loved one to try cooking on their own can be a way to boost their confidence and self-esteem as they age, but only if you are around to turn off the stove should they wander off.
Any time that you leave your loved one home alone is also a time that they are socially isolated. Social interaction is essential for elderly patients, as it can enhance their quality of life and delay the rate of mental health deterioration. Memory care communities are designed in such a way as to boost social interaction between residents and help them live more fulfilled and exciting lives.
Choosing to place your loved one in a memory care facility shouldn’t be upsetting; it’s a chance for them to begin a new chapter of their life in a safe and mentally stimulating residence where you are free to visit anytime. If you are ready to find a suitable memory care facility for your loved one, call My Care Finders. Our free service provides the advice and advocacy support you need to match your family’s needs with the most appropriate facilities based on geography, amenities, level of care, and budget.
The memory care decision doesn’t have to be complicated – call My Care Finders today to get started. Remember, our expertise is FREE to
