Seeking Memory Care For Dementia Patients Can Stand Them In Good Stead

  • May 19, 2021 BY  Anthem Seniors
  • Anthem Senior Living
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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia develop gradually over time, and the symptoms present differently in each person. The major symptoms include memory loss, personality changes and disorientation. In the initial phase, the symptoms associated with your loved one’s memory may be mild, which is easy-to-manage. But over time, his or her condition changes, and you must tailor your care accordingly to their changing needs. This can be overwhelming for the caregivers- the need to be constantly one’s toes. This is where seeking memory care support can benefit both you and your loved one in more ways than one.

Dementia symptoms go beyond forgetfulness, and include delusions, severe mood swings and personality changes, agitation that can put you and your loved one at an increased risk for injuries, scams, etc. This necessitates specialized care from people who have the experience and expertise to cater to the unique needs of people living with dementia. Such level of care is only possible at memory care facilities, such as Assisted Living Sanctuary of Anthem.

Here are some signs caregivers should watch out for that indicate the time has come to seek memory care support:

Wandering– Wandering is one of the most common behavioral problems associated with dementia, especially in later stages of the disease. This increases the risk for serious falls (accidents) and severe injuries. You, of course, would not take any chance with your loved one’s safety. Seeking memory care means a secure place for your loved one with 24 hours supervision.

Aggression– This is another common behavioral symptom happening in those with dementia, and caregivers and other family members may suffer or begin to feel stressed and irritable. This obviously is going to translate in your care for your beloved and is bound to strain your relationship.

Compromised safety at home– Ask yourself honest questions if your loved one with dementia is safe in their current setting which is in their house, ways they are handling self-care tasks, such as taking medicines or chores around the house, or if you really feel you are suitable to provide the care that your loved one really needs. All these can easily be dealt with by seeking memory care. The reason behind consequential safety issues can be attributed to confusion-caused wandering or disorientation in the later stages of dementia.

Increased isolation due to little to no social life– This is another major drawback of the disease. The social life of someone with dementia shrinks drastically that further worsens their condition. Residents in memory care have thriving social lives in view of regular activities, supervised excursions, interaction with peers, and creative outlets that are designed in keeping with individual residents’ interests and skill levels in mind, and are meant to be purposeful and fun and add meaning to life while also alleviating some of the agitation and anxiety that comes with dementia.

Other signs:

  1. Unexplained physical changes like rapid weight loss, decline in personal hygiene, unexplainable bruises or injuries, neglecting finances
  2. Incontinence
  3. Deterioration in the health of caregiver
  4. You wish to restore your bond with your beloved
  5. Your constant fear of your loved one’s safety

Your instinct says it’s time your loved one should be in memory care

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