Unlike other classes of senior living facilities, Memory care is geared toward people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These types of facilities are equipped with caregivers and other medical professionals who specialize in meeting the health and basic needs of individuals in the facility.
Suppose you’ve heard about memory care facilities like Bader House of Georgetown Memory Care, and you are wondering if you should take your loved one there for proper monitoring and care. Well, you’re in luck! In this post, we’ll give you the essential information you need to know about memory care and the various categories of memory care facilities available. But before then, let’s talk about when the right time to enroll your loved ones in a memory care facility is.
When Is the Ideal Time To Enroll Your Loved Ones In A Memory Care Facility?
Behavior Changes
One of the major signs that indicate it’s time to put your elderly ones in a memory care facility is behavioral changes. This could include mild changes like forgetting where they left their keys or severe ones like forgetting their home address. No matter how mild or severe, ignoring these signs can be extremely dangerous. It’s even worse when they start forgetting to use their prescribed medication.
Incontinence Issues
Research has shown that 51% of senior adults have incontinence issues for several reasons. Incontinence issues need to be monitored closely. Fortunately, memory care facilities have trained staff that checks clients regularly to ensure they use the bathroom as required.
Dangerous Living Situation
As senior citizens’ dementia issues continue to worsen, they easily forget to keep their homes clean and safe. Some of the regular activities they could forget to do are:
- Lock doors
- Take out trash
- Do laundry
- Clean dishes
- Turn off the oven
As you already know, forgetting to do these things could lead to a major disaster. So anytime you start noticing these signs in an elderly loved one, start making plans to register them in a memory care facility before it’s too late.
Types of Memory Care Facilities
Adult Day Center
When your elderly ones haven’t reached the point where they have to be monitored every second, the best option for them is an adult day center. As you’re working or doing other things, you won’t have to worry about them since they’ll be supervised by trained staff at the center.
Adult day centers are perfect for people who think living in their homes is the most crucial aspect of getting old. If your elderly ones agree with this thinking, you can consider enrolling them in an adult day center. Some of the services they offer include companion services, light housekeeping, and transportation.
In-Home Care
In-home memory care services are offered in a home instead of a care facility. In other words, In-home memory care ensures your loved ones can stay in their homes while a caregiver comes over to cater to their daily needs. This kind of care service enables someone with dementia to enjoy a high amount of dignity and comfort. It can include personal care services like eating or bathing or home-keeping services.
Residential Care
Residential care is majorly for those who need easy access to emergency care or a high level of medical supervision. This service is often recommended for sick, older people who need more close monitoring. It’s essential to understand that various categories of residential memory care communities have facilities to offer a certain amount of care. You should choose one that can cater to the specific needs of your loved ones.
Independent Living
An Independent living community is the best choice for an elderly citizen who wants a certain amount of independent functioning. In this case, they’ll still live in a care facility, but they’ll have their own apartment or condo. They’ll have the opportunity to socialize with others and call on experts anytime they need help. In independent living communities, caregivers still plan group activities to enable senior citizens to socialize.
Nursing Home Care
Like some other types of care facilities, nursing home care offers 24-hour medical care. They offer medical treatment, daily care, physical therapy, and other categories of adult care services.
Respite Care
This form of care service is either offered by volunteers or paid professionals. Their services often include driving their clients to medical appointments or performing household chores for them.
In conclusion, knowing the ideal time to register your loved ones in a memory care facility and the right type of memory care facility to register them in is essential. You can also check out reviews on any memory care facility you choose to ensure you’re making the right choice.