In life, you sometimes have to make difficult decisions. Moving a spouse to memory care can be one of those times. Memory decline and loss of cognitive impairment can impact a person’s day-to-day and quality of life.
At a certain point, family members and caregivers can struggle and feel like they can’t provide appropriate care for loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s. Memory support in senior living communities provides a safe environment and professional care services that cater to individual needs.
Here are some things to know to make transitioning your spouse to memory care as smooth as possible.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care provides long-term residential housing that specializes in caring for patients with memory loss. Its focus is on patients, no matter their needs or capabilities, with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to help improve quality of life.
Signs Your Spouse Needs Memory Care
There is no right or wrong time to move a spouse to memory care as every individual is different, as is disease progression. Here are some signs that indicate a spouse may benefit from memory support.
Safety Is a Concern
With safety measures in place, individuals with dementia can live comfortably at home. However, with disease progression and symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and memory loss, there is only so much you can do to keep them safe.
Wandering
Wandering is common in Alzheimer’s patients since they can forget, become confused, and lose their ability to recognize faces and places. Unsupervised wandering can be dangerous and lead to life-threatening situations.
Needs More Help with Activities of Daily Living
Dementia needs tend to increase over time. This can include more dependence on caregivers and family for activities of daily living (ADLs), including eating, bathing, mobility, and personal hygiene. With changes in behavior, they can even refuse care.
Caregiver Burnout
With increasing needs and around-the-clock care, caregivers and family members can burn out, and stress and level of care can decline.
Isolation
The lack of social interaction and activities can negatively impact their mental health leading to depression, anxiety, and agitation.
What to Look for in Memory Care?
You can start the conversation early. It’s understandable that often, family members wait too long until the disease progresses to a point where they have to scramble for alternative living arrangements. This can make it more stressful and lead to poorer outcomes.
Speak to family members and doctors about your spouse’s condition. Sometimes it’s easier to hear it from an authority figure, such as a physician.
You can also take a proactive approach and learn more about memory care facilities and what they offer. Memory care services and experiences at Fox Trail Senior Living include:
- Individual memory care support services
- Safe, serene, and supportive community
- Fully furnished apartments
- Professional and dementia-certified staff with 24-hour care
- Home-cooked meals
- Meaningful activities to stimulate brain functions
- Social engagement for positive cognitive support
- Wellness programs
- Walking paths
- Garden
- Physician visits
- Medication management
- Non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce medication reliance
Tips to Make the Transition Easier
As hard as it is, moving a spouse to memory care can be a positive transition for them, you, and your family. You can look forward to a brighter future for your spouse with the proper care and support they need.
Bring Home to Them
Before your spouse moves into a memory care facility, schedule a time to decorate their room and create a home environment with their favorite belongings or family photos.
Consider Their Emotions
You may feel guilt or apprehension, but reassure your spouse that the most important thing for them is receiving professional care in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.
Be Positive and Patient
Adjusting may take some time, but it will get easier as you see an improvement in their quality of life. Speak to management and staff about visits and their progress.
Your Transition to Memory Care
With dementia and cognitive decline, progression means a loved one will eventually need more care and a safe environment. If you feel your spouse can benefit from memory care, contact Fox Trail Senior Living.
You can also request a visit to experience our community for yourself and see what memory care could be like for your loved one.
