Your Loved One Needs Memory Care: Now What?

It can be incredibly upsetting when you have a loved one who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is a very delicate and difficult situation, and you want to handle it as carefully as possible. But it’s easy to feel unprepared and unsure how to proceed. Read on below to find out your next steps for getting your loved one the best Peoria memory care.

1. Consider whether it’s time for your loved one to move to a different environment.

Are they still able to take care of themselves? Or is there too much of a risk that they could hurt themselves and/or others? Is there a danger of them wandering and getting lost? Or forgetting something essential for their health? If so, then it’s time to seriously look into an assisted living memory care program. This is a secure environment that will provide necessary services, such as medication management. 2. Have a conversation with your loved one about their memory care needs and options. This may be quite difficult, especially since it’s hard for anyone to admit they need help taking care of themselves. However, it’s a very necessary discussion to be had. If they are resistant at first, try again another time. You also want to get an idea of what your loved one would like from a memory care program.

3. Ask others for their insight.

Do you have friends or family who had to find memory care for a loved one? If so, ask for their advice and recommendations. A loved one with memory loss is difficult to deal with and having others to talk to who have gone through it can really provide help and support. You can also reach out to other family members for their opinions. And it will be very helpful to consult with medical professionals and memory loss experts.

4. Thoroughly research your Peoria memory care options.

When you choose a community for your loved one to move into, you want to make sure the one you choose is of the highest quality. Make sure the memory care program is thoughtfully designed. Does it seem like something that will help and interest your loved one? For instance, do the programs involve music and art? Music therapy in particular has been found to benefit those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Especially since activities like art and listening to music can help with stress and anxiety. Also, see if there are socializing opportunities with the other residents. This transition to memory care living can be very difficult, and it’s easy for those with memory loss to experience depression and loneliness. Having events and activities to look forward to and being able to make new friends can be incredibly beneficial. Here at the Mission at Agua Fria, we also have an activity room, dining hall, outdoor area, and lounge that can provide a community feel.

5. Look for a memory care residence that will feel like home.

Bring some favorite things from your loved one’s home to their new place. This can help ease the transition. And, in general, a homey, comfortable apartment will be a better setting than a cold, empty room. It’s also great if they can be in a place that provides beautiful, tranquil surroundings. An outdoor walking path or courtyard, for instance, can make all the difference. You will also want to make sure the apartments are designed to be as safe and accessible as possible. Are residents properly monitored, while still ensuring they have as much independence as possible? Is there help always available, with staff on hand 24/7? If your loved one needs help with certain activities such as dressing, daily hygiene, and mobility, is that a service the memory care center can provide? What about help with housekeeping and apartment maintenance?

6. One size does not fit all when it comes to something as important as memory care.

Look for a program that takes an individual’s wants and needs into account and customizes the care plan accordingly. The activities and enrichment programs should be designed so that every resident will be interested and engaged. No one should be left out of part of the program because it doesn’t accommodate their physical needs or limitations. At the Mission at Agua Fria, we provide an assessment even before your loved one moves in so that we can create the best personalized care for them.

7. When choosing a memory care community, visit in-person ahead of time for a tour.

This will, of course, give you a much better idea than just looking at a website. It will also give you a chance to meet the staff and discuss your loved one’s needs and condition with them. Pay attention to other residents during your visit. Do they seem happy and healthy? How does your loved one respond to the community and staff?

8. Look into your options for handling the cost of Peoria memory care.

Money can be a tricky subject no matter what. And paying for memory care is no exception. Luckily, there are a number of different avenues to help cover the expenses if your loved one doesn’t have the funds on hand. These include insurance, veteran’s benefits, government assistance programs, loans, and more. Discuss the options with other family members. And this is another case where talking with someone who has been through it will be helpful.

9. Make sure the memory care program provides support for families and keeps them in the know.

The best memory care programs are built on the understanding that dementia and Alzheimer’s don’t just affect the person who is sick, but their loved ones as well. A quality program should do regular evaluations of your loved one, update you on their health and progress, and provide support and care services to the families of their residents. After you consider all of these factors and research your options, we’re confident you’ll choose the best community for your loved one. We hope that you’ll consider the Mission at Agua Fria as an option. You can find more information about Peoria memory care on the Mission at Agua Fria’s website. You can even make an appointment to meet with us through our website as well.