When to consider memory care is a challenging decision based on a number of factors.

When to Consider Memory Care

Once a pillar of strength, your mom has grown fragile with old age. 

You know it was inevitable that she’d get older, but watching her slowly become a shadow of her former self is a devastatingly heart-wrenching experience. 

And we’re not just talking about gray hairs and deep wrinkles here. This isn’t about vanity. It’s about your mother’s mind. 

As time passes by, she retreats more and more inside of herself. She’s less assertive, more passive. More forgetful, less observant. 

Yet, despite the dementia she’s currently living with, she’s always managed to keep up with the bills and take the garbage out on trash day. And she’s only needed regular check-ins to make sure she’s okay.

But now, something has changed. 

The bills are piling up, the trash is overflowing, and you’re wary of leaving her unsupervised for any amount of time. These are potential signs that you might want to consider bringing in some level of outside support. 

In many cases, memory care is the best option.

Signs It’s Time for Memory Care

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 5.8 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. And while it’s not unconventional for family members to care for some people with dementia, others live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

And that’s okay.

As memory loss progresses, it may become difficult to provide the level of care your family member needs on a daily basis. Maybe you feel overwhelmed—like this is all more than you can handle. 

Especially if you have a busy work and family life.

When to consider memory care is a personal decision, so if you find yourself struggling with this idea, it may be helpful to ask a series of questions regarding the well-being of your loved one: 

  • Is it safe for my loved one to continue living in their current environment?
  • Is my loved one’s behavior likely to cause harm to others?
  • What do medical professionals and other family members suggest? (A primary care doctor, geriatric psychiatrist, or neurologist can provide valuable insights.)

Additionally, the following signs may also reinforce your decision to transition your loved one into a memory care facility: 

  • Your loved one’s behaviors, such as agitation and aggression, become increasingly difficult to manage.
  • Your loved one rarely bathes or brushes their teeth.
  • You and your loved one no longer get a healthy amount of sleep.
  • You find that your loved one wanders, often forgetting where they are.
  • You’re loved one regularly slips or falls, resulting in injury.
  • Your loved one is experiencing unhealthy weight loss.

If you find yourself worrying about a loved one’s safety, happiness, and overall well-being on a regular basis, the transition to memory care can take some stress off your shoulders. The right facility—with the right programming—can ensure your loved one is fully supported and cared for in a safe environment. 

Memory Care at The Moments

At The Moments, our staff members are trained explicitly to provide 24-hour, person-centered care for seniors with memory loss. We fully understand the profound sense of loss that accompanies the deterioration of cognitive skills—and we tailor our programming to fit the specific needs of each individual.

Music, art, theater, storytelling, gardening, and movement therapies—they’re all standard offerings that engage the mind, body, and spirit.

Taking our commitment to exceptional care one step further, we combine the 5-star hospitality standards of a high-end hotel with high-acuity specialized clinical services, a customized dining program, and daily housekeeping.

With well-trained staff and world-class facilities that are built for comfort and safety, ours is one of the best memory care programs in the country.
For more information, contact us or schedule a tour today.

Published On: February 7, 2022