When your loved one begins to experience signs of memory loss, it can be difficult to know which steps to take next. Thankfully, there are senior memory care services available to help you and your family navigate this difficult transition.
What is senior memory care? Senior memory care helps your aging loved ones maintain some of their independence while still getting the support they need. It usually consists of long-term care that specifically focuses on the needs of those with cognitive impairments. Trained professionals are available to provide around-the-clock supervision and assistance with the activities of daily living. These facilities also typically offer specialized programming and amenities to help promote brain health and provide a stimulating environment.
If you have a parent who is starting to experience memory loss, here are five things you need to know about senior memory care to best support the ones you love.
1. What Services are Included in Senior Memory Care?
Whether you choose to pursue independent living for your aging loved one or place them in a memory care facility, there are several services available to provide them with the care and support they need.
These services include assistance with everyday tasks, medication management, physical and occupational therapy, engaging memory care activities to help stimulate and strengthen cognition, and round-the-clock supervision. Memory Care services are dependent on the level of care your loved one needs, and the support you and your family are able to provide without the support of professionals.
Regardless of where you and your family are in your decision making and the level of involvement you can provide, these services can supplement the care you give to your aging loved ones.
2. Sign It’s Time for Memory Care Assistance
There are a few key indicators that may suggest your loved one would benefit from memory care assistance. These can include:
- Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Increased confusion or disorientation
- Wandering or getting lost
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as increased paranoia or aggression
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more during the day
If your aging loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with their physician for a more detailed evaluation. It is important to remember that nowadays there are ways to slow the progression of memory loss and seeking medical attention sooner rather than later can determine the effectiveness of many treatments and services.
3. How Can Senior Memory Care Services Support Family Caregivers?
Caring for your aging loved ones, especially when there are memory and cognitive issues involved, can be challenging. Your loved ones may not fully understand or agree with their need for support, and you may feel hesitant to trust another person to provide quality and compassionate care.
The great news, however, is that there are plenty of trustworthy Senior Home Care communities who vet their healthcare professionals, and provide transparency along with hands-on support. When you find a team that you trust, this can significantly impact your family by minimizing the physical and emotional stress that comes with caring for your loved ones.
Too often families will sacrifice their time and energy to provide care which becomes less rewarding over time, and instead turns to resentment, frustration, and disagreements. By utilizing the services available, you can spend more quality time with the seniors in your life and focus on making memories.
4. How Do You Choose the Right Senior Memory Care Community?
The most important way to ensure you choose the right community for your loved one is to ask lots of questions, and read online reviews to get a good sense of what you can expect. Here are some questions to help get you started.
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- What are the staff qualifications?
- What is the community’s philosophy of care?
- What are the community’s amenities and activities?
- What is the cost of memory care?
5. What Can You Expect When Transitioning Your Loved One?
When you are considering transitioning your loved one to senior memory care, you can expect an assessment of your loved one’s specific needs and a plan tailored to meet those needs. You can expect to meet members of the staff who will directly care for your loved one, and a meeting with a coordinator to discuss coverage and costs. Perhaps most importantly, you can expect some pushback from your aging loved one or members of your family who may not agree with accessing professional care services.
These are discussions that can be had in the presence of a care team who can answer questions and help ease concerns. Ultimately, the community you choose should prioritize the needs of your family and act as a support—and this should be felt by you and members of your family.
Conclusion
Memory Care services are an important and natural part of supporting the seniors in your life. However, you may have questions about what to expect when your loved ones show signs they’re in need of support. If you have a loved one who is in need of memory care assistance, it’s important to do your research and find the right care team. It is also important to know what to expect and which questions to ask, all of which are outlined above.
Looking for assistance from a trusted source? Golden care is one of the most trusted care services in San Diego. We provide caregivers who are experienced and trained in providing care to seniors. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help to support you and your loved one.
