Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia are memory loss conditions that progressively worsen over the course of time. Age is a primary risk factor for cognitive decline. Therefore, with every passing year, the condition of a memory loss patient will tend to decline.
If you’re a dementia caregiver, you might notice the task becoming harder with time. While dementia patients are still relatively independent during the earlier stages, that could change at any time. The symptoms of dementia patients might become too acute for you to handle on your own.
But how do you know it’s time to shift your loved ones to a memory care facility? Memory care homes are designed to meet the needs of dementia patients. They have trained professionals and the right tools to help make a dementia patient’s experience as easy as possible.
If you find it too difficult to make this decision, this guide will help you. Here are 7 signs that it’s time to move your loved one with dementia to memory care.
1. The Dementia Patient Displays Aggressive Behavior
Dementia is a condition that brings about several reactions. Every dementia patient will act and behave differently. Now it’s up to you to see if these symptoms are manageable. After all, you aren’t a trained professional, so you might not know how to handle certain behaviors.
One red flag that tells you it’s time to move to memory care is when your dementia patient displays aggressive behavior. This could be a result of changing weather or Sundowning. If you’re worried the dementia patient might harm you or themselves, you should seriously consider memory care for them.
A professional facility with expert caretakers will manage your loved one’s emotions better and keep them safe round the clock.
2. The Dementia Patient Starts Sinking into Depression
Depression is a common after-effect of dementia. Most often, depression isn’t triggered by memory loss itself but by the feeling of isolation that comes with it. As a dementia caregiver, it might be impossible for you to take your loved one with you everywhere you go.
You are a caregiver, but you likely also have other responsibilities to tend to. As a result, your loved one might start feeling lonely and may start showing signs of depression. This is a red flag telling you it may be time to move to memory care.
If you see signs of depression, maybe it’s time to shift your loved one to memory care. Memory care facilities have activities that keep dementia patients engaged and help curb feelings of isolation.
3. Your Relationship With the Dementia Patient Deteriorates
Most dementia caregivers are directly related to the patients. The dementia patient could be your parent, sibling, or grandparent. It’s natural that you care for them deeply. But since you aren’t a professional, you might not be in the best position to handle their symptoms.
If you notice that your relationship with your dementia patient starts to deteriorate, consider shifting them to memory care. This way, you can entrust them to the best care, and go back to being just their child or grandchild.
4. The Dementia Patient Starts Neglecting Personal Hygiene
Everything should be fine as long as your dementia patient is listening to you. But it could happen that they suddenly start acting out. They might no longer communicate with you and even start neglecting their personal hygiene. Your loved ones having personal hygiene issues like body odor and unkempt hair is a cause for concern. This means that they have lost interest even in the most basic activities.
This may be a red flag that the dementia patient needs assisted care. This red flag may indicate it is time to move to memory care. They might refuse to listen to you, and you might need external help. A memory care facility will handle them in a better manner, and take care of their personal hygiene.
5. The Dementia Patient Tends to Wander At Night
Since dementia patients become confused and disoriented, they may even start to wander at night. If your loved ones start to sleepwalk, this could be dangerous for them. They might not know how to find their way back to bed, and could potentially endanger themselves. As a dementia caregiver, you might not be able to keep a watch on them all night.
If your loved ones wander, you should consider shifting them to memory care before they end up in danger. You will lose sleep trying to stay awake at night, especially if you have work in the morning. A memory care facility will have all patients under surveillance with staff to ensure their safety. After all, that’s what memory homes are there for! This is an important red flag that tells you it is time to move to memory care.
6. The Dementia Patient Refuses to Eat
If your loved ones start refusing food, this would seriously affect their health. They might forget to eat and even refuse food despite your insistence. Dementia patients need proper nutrition, and this behavior could adversely affect their physical and mental health.
If your dementia patient isn’t eating properly, you should consider memory care for them instead of forcing them. A memory care facility will be in a better position to take care of their nutritious needs. After all, they are more experienced in dealing with dementia patients. This will ensure that their basic needs are met, which is ultimately what you want.
7. It May be Time to Move to Memory Care If Your Mental Health is Deteriorating
As a dementia caregiver, you need to monitor your physical and mental condition as well. Handling a dementia patient is no easy task, and this may take a toll on you. If you think you are experiencing burnout, this is a huge sign that you should shift your loved one to memory care.
If you experience listlessness, fatigue, and an overall lack of interest in activities, this is a sign that you have burnout. This doesn’t mean you’re being selfish—you need to think of yourself too! Moreover, if you are feeling mental and physical exhaustion, you can’t even take care of your loved ones properly.
Final Word
A professional memory care home will relay the best care to your dementia patients. If you notice any of the red flags above, you shouldn’t think twice before shifting your loved ones there. You aren’t a professional dementia caregiver, so you’re just doing what’s best for your loved ones. Don’t think twice; do the right thing for yourself and for them.
Scott Wright (Ted Fletcher) toured those same facilities. He felt that hollow feeling. Facility hallways that smelled wrong and felt nothing like home. That feeling built Sycamore Creek Ranch. Today we serve families across Houston at six intimate locations: Sycamore Creek Ranch – Cinco Ranch (with immediate availability), Sycamore Creek Ranch – The Woodlands, Sycamore Creek Ranch – Shenandoah, Sycamore Creek Ranch – Cypresswood, Sycamore Creek Ranch – The Heights, and Sycamore Creek Ranch – The Pines. 16 residents. One extended family. Every time. Everyone is known by name. Come see the difference.
Their home. Your peace.
scrmemorycare.com | 832-791-1577.