Caring for our loved ones is a physically and emotionally demanding job. As time goes on, it can get harder to balance their care with your own.
Making the decision to change your loved one’s care can be intimidating. We’re here to help ease this burden and give you the information you need to ensure your loved one gets the care they deserve.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care for people experiencing cognitive decline. The key to memory care is ensuring the community is safe for residents. This helps reduce wandering and confusion while instilling a sense of independence.
Residents usually have their own private apartments that they can decorate how they wish. Personalizing their space with special belongings can help people in these communities feel more at home.
Memory care is designed to feel comfortable—ideally, it would feel like being in a little neighborhood. Residents can participate in different activities, enjoy indoor and outdoor amenities, and have regular meals and housekeeping.
An important aspect of memory care is the personalized care plans for each resident based on their needs and preferences. Staff members are on-site 24/7 to support residents with daily activities and treatments. Memory care staff are specially trained to provide the right support to residents, which includes professional handling of behaviors associated with memory loss, such as anxiety and restlessness.
Is Memory Care Right for My Loved One?
With most memory loss conditions, like dementia, the natural decline can become difficult to manage at home. Family caregivers may be unable to manage their loved one’s needs, especially as these needs continue to advance and deepen. Caring for someone with a memory loss condition requires constant attention.
While there are options for in-home care, these options can be quite expensive. Memory care may be a good option for you and your loved one if:
- Your loved one is often confused or disoriented
- Their confusion/disorientation endangers their wellbeing
- Their confusion/disorientation endangers others
- Your loved one’s behavior has drastically changed
- Their behavior is too difficult to manage
- Your loved one’s health has started to decline
- Your loved one experiences frequent incontinence
- Your & your family’s health has been negatively affected
What is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing is high-level, around-the-clock care on either a short-term or long-term basis.
Skilled nursing care involves a licensed health professional, like a registered nurse or occupational therapist, providing ongoing care to someone at home or in a skilled nursing community. They help with daily activities, rehabilitation, and memory care.
If your loved one needs specialized treatment for an ongoing medical condition or recovery care after a hospitalization, the doctor may recommend skilled nursing. Whether your loved one is at home or in a skilled nursing community, they’ll receive care based on their unique needs.
Is Skilled Nursing Right for My Loved One?
Certain ongoing medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s, require specific care that can be too much for a family to take on. Alternatively, certain operations and procedures require continued care after leaving the hospital. This care may be short-term, but can be helpful in managing daily activities.
Skilled nursing may be right for your loved one if:
- Your loved one is unable to perform daily activities on their own
- Your loved one has limited or no mobility
- Caring for your loved one is negatively affecting your health
- Your loved one needs specialized treatment
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is somewhat of a middle ground between memory care and skilled nursing. It’s designed to help you ensure your loved one is cared for while you take some time for yourself.
You should be able to enjoy your life without feeling guilty and your loved one should get the care they need. Respite care gives you the break you need and provides the care your loved one needs without interruption.
Respite care can be done in-house. Some communities offer respite care on-site. This ensures your loved one receives proper care, and this care can be provided around the clock if necessary. Respite care can also be a great way to feel out an assisted living community without fully committing to such a big change.
Is Respite Care Right for My Loved One?
Respite care might be a good choice for you and your loved one if:
- You’re unable to leave your loved one alone while you run errands
- You’re going on a much-needed vacation
- Your loved one needs short-term care
Next Steps
It’s difficult to know the right time to change up care for your loved one. You want to ensure they’re comfortable and happy while also taking care of your own health. You don’t have to make this decision alone. Contact our team today to learn more about the available care options and ask any questions you may have regarding your loved one’s care.
