When is it Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Change isn’t easy, especially if your loved one is dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. However, it’s important to make sure that your family member is getting the best possible care for their needs. If your loved one is dealing with memory loss, that can mean figuring out if it’s time to move from an assisted living community into a facility that’s better prepared to deal with dementia patients.

Not sure how to tell if it’s time to move your loved one into a new space? Keep reading to learn some of the top signs it’s time for memory care and how to make the move to memory care as easy as possible.

9 Signs That it’s the Right Time for Memory Care

Spotting symptoms of dementia can be difficult during the early stages. What may seem like normal forgetfulness or side effects of aging can be initial warnings of an eventual dementia diagnosis.

While some warning signs may escape suspicion, there are some notable red flags that experts suggest you look out for when interacting with elderly parents and other family members in assisted living, home care, or anywhere else. Here are nine signs that may indicate your loved one is suffering from memory impairments that go beyond typical aging:

• A sudden decline in their ability to remember things, attention span, or ability to think through situations.
• They’re starting to wander off on their own or get lost.
• You notice sudden changes in their attitude or behavior, such as increased agitation, aggressive outbursts, or other notable mood swings.
• Frequent confusion, especially when it comes to things, people, or events that were a normal part of their life.
• They aren’t recognizing people’s faces or names as well as they had in the past.
• They have difficulty participating in group activities or are more prone to isolating themselves from social situations.
• They repeat the same talking points and our questions over and over again in the same conversation.
• Their hygiene has gotten worse over time.
• They’ve changed their eating habits and aren’t eating enough to support their dietary needs.

The senior living experts are another great resource for figuring out if it’s time to switch from assisted living to memory care. The experts working at the assisted living facility are going to spot a lot of the same signs – and sometimes more. If the experts at assisted living recommend memory care, then it’s probably a good time to reevaluate your loved one’s needs and make the switch to senior care that’s more suited for people with dementia.

4 Tips for Transitioning from Assisted Living to Memory Care

Moving into a new space can be overwhelming for anyone. When your loved one has dementia, the process can be extremely stressful. The following tips can help you streamline this transition as much as possible so that the move is less challenging for you and your loved one.

Keep the move as simple as possible

Try to simplify the transition as much as possible to limit the amount of confusion for your loved one. Unlike a normal move, it’s better to have a small number of people help with the transition. If they’re all close family or friends, that’s even better.

You’ll also want to limit how often you move your loved one as well. The more changes that happen out of sight, the better. When you have to move your loved one, get them settled in with a layout that’s as familiar as possible and communicate the next steps as simply and clearly as possible. If you need help, the memory care staff can help streamline the move and make your loved one comfortable.

Maintain your routines

A regular routine can be extremely comforting for people with dementia. While the move to memory care may cause some disruptions to any routines, you can plan ahead to get your loved one back on schedule as quickly as possible.

Make sure your loved one will have everything they need to complete their routines after the move. If something must change, make sure there’s an alternative to help replace that gap in the routine. You should also let the memory care staff know about your loved one’s routines, preferred activities, and other habits. In turn, your loved one will be able to enjoy more control over their own life and not feel stressed about sudden changes.

Be positive

The way you interact with your loved one makes a major difference both on moving day and long after they’re settled into memory care. You want to stay upbeat and positive when you interact with your loved one – and try not to show your frustration if something goes wrong or there are difficulties with moving. Everything from maintaining a friendly tone to offering comforting nonverbal connections like a gentle hug or holding their hand can help make moving a bit less stressful.

Find the right memory care facility for your loved one

You can’t move without a destination. It’s essential to find a memory care facility that’s right for your loved one to ensure that they’re kept safe and can enjoy their golden years.

If you’re looking for assisted living or memory care that helps your loved ones reach their highest level of wellness, it’s time to consider National Church Residences. Find out which senior living options are in your area or give us a call at 844-465-6063 to talk to one of our friendly staff members today.