Do I Need Memory Care?

As we age, we become less able to complete the daily tasks of living on our own. This change doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s difficult to recognize the progression of cognitive decline in ourselves, which is why decisions about memory care are most often made by the loved ones who spend time with us. Are you in a situation where you need to make this choice for a loved one?

As a caregiver, it can be difficult to know when the time is right to consider moving from caring for our aging loved ones at home to seeking out long-term memory care. Changes in our loved ones’ capabilities to complete daily tasks themselves may be slow and are often spread out over the course of months or years. The changes may be subtle at first, but over time, these changes may become concerning and can often be quite dangerous.

Our senior loved ones may not remember to take their medications on time, which can cause dangerous changes in their physical or mental health. Our loved ones may forget to eat, or they may not be able to maintain a clean and safe home environment. Perhaps your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and you’re wondering if they will need to move into long-term memory care. The experts at the Mission at Agua Fria Senior Living have some advice on how to tell when it’s time to move into Peoria memory care.

Safety Concerns

You may notice some changes with your loved one that causes immediate concern. They may be rapidly losing weight or they look disheveled due to neglecting their personal hygiene. Perhaps you notice some unexplained bruises on their bodies. Medications may not be taken on time or they may be taking too many pills and their prescriptions are running out too early.

These are all signs to consider when visiting the option of moving your loved one into memory care. If you live in the Arizona area, consider touring Peoria memory care, where each resident has their own studio apartment with access to care staff 24 hours a day.

Difficulties Completing Basic Daily Tasks

Other tell-tale signs that your senior loved one should consider moving into memory care are when the normal required daily tasks become too difficult to complete on their own. For example, perhaps your senior loved one misses vital doctor’s appointments or they aren’t able to fill their refrigerator and pantry with food so they go without eating. They may just forget to eat and drink altogether due to memory loss issues. Your loved one may attempt an outing to the supermarket but get lost on normal routes that they’re usually comfortable traveling. Not being able to complete the basic daily tasks we all require is a good indicator that it may be time to move into memory care.

Shrinking Social Circles

Being isolated due to increasing memory issues can not only be depressing and lonely, but it can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia. Moving into memory care can help ensure your loved one socializes with others more frequently. At Peoria memory care, there are lots of opportunities for socialization with other residents, which can help slow the progression of memory loss.
If you would like to visit the Mission at Agua Fria Senior Living or have questions you would like answered, contact us today.