Caregivers face a variety of challenges when providing dementia care to a loved one. A recent diagnosis, in many respects, is the beginning of a new normal—a reality that requires patience, education, as well as careful planning about the road ahead.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, those caring for someone with dementia may experience an array of emotions, such as:
- Initial denial about a dementia diagnosis
- Fear and anxiety about the progression off the condition
- Anger and frustration about how this may impact your life
- Grief and depression over the loss of a relationship with a loved one
Memory care can be a practical option for many coping with dementia. While those diagnosed with the early stages of dementia can still retain some independence with the help of a caregiver, eventually a transition to memory care may need to be considered.
In this article, we’ll be exploring what early-stage dementia looks like and how memory care facilities can be the best solution—for loved ones and caregivers alike—for dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
Early Stages of Dementia: Supporting Your Loved One at Home
Caring for someone with dementia during the early stages comes with a variety of techniques, support, and communication strategies.
Signs of early-stage dementia can include:
- Difficulty with familiar tasks
- Problems with language and communication
- Confusion with time or place
- Memory loss affecting daily life
Effective techniques and strategies for caregivers can consist of:
- Using calendars and reminders to assist memory
- Simplifying language and instructions
- Keeping consistent schedules to avoid confusion
- Using visual aids and written notes
For more information on caring for someone with early-stage dementia, you can read Understanding the Early Stages of Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide.
When Is the Right Time for Memory Care?
While those diagnosed early with dementia can live productive and partially independent lives at home, there comes a moment when there are unavoidable signs it’s time for memory care. The best way to determine memory care timing is to look out for worsening dementia-related signs and symptoms, some of which include:
- Forgetting to take medication or taking too much of it
- Neglecting to go to doctors’ appointments
- Skipping meals
- Wandering
- Tripping and falling
- Leaving the stove on
- Not paying bills
- Neglecting personal hygiene and housekeeping
- Withdraw from social situations and hobbies
- Losing track of the passage of time, such as forgetting the year or season
Determining the right time for memory care is not just important for your loved one, but the caregiver too—since caring for someone with dementia can seem insurmountable. By the time dementia symptoms have worsened, caregiver burnout inevitably heightens, which can play out in a variety of ways, such as:
- Physical fatigue
- Headaches, pains, and other health-related problems
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability
- Loss of job or inability to work
- Avoiding friends and social situations
- Missing medical appointments and generally not prioritizing health
Understanding Memory Care
What is memory care? Memory care communities offer long-term care that is designed for residents needing quality dementia care and Alzheimer’s care. Memory care facilities employ a staff 24/7 to ensure your loved one is supervised and safe. Residents can enjoy daily assistance with medication monitoring, supervised care, medical monitoring, daily activities, and more.
The committed team members at communities like Sunrise Senior Living help ensure residents experience a nurturing, engaging, and secure environment.
Transitioning to Memory Care: Steps and Considerations
Transitioning your loved one to a quality memory care community sooner than later will help them adjust to their new environment. This not only reduces the stress of caregiver burnout, but it also allows memory care residents to acclimate to the staff, engage in activities that promote well-being, as well as receive a customized memory care plan. Relieved of full-time caregiving responsibilities, the caregiver can then devote more time to self-prioritization and enjoying visits with their loved one.
When researching and visiting memory care communities, you want to involve your loved one as much as possible in all important conversations, asking questions like:
- What did you think of the environment?
- Could you see yourself happy in any of these communities?
- What are your top five must-haves in a memory care facility?
- What concerns do you have that we can address with a staff member privately or during a tour?
There are also some features in memory care communities you want to look for when weighing your options, some of which may include:
- Qualified staff trained and certified in dementia care
- An adequate resident-to-staff ratio
- Activities offered like memory games, exercises classes, walks, as well as art, music, and other creative endeavors
- Cleanliness of rooms and common areas
- Friendliness of staff
As your loved one transitions into memory care, it can help to bring along personal belongings like photos, blankets, and other cherished items. These items can help your loved one acclimate to a new space with familiar and fond treasures.
Memory Care at Sunrise Senior Living
Residents in memory care at Sunrise benefit greatly from caring and knowledgeable team members who provide personalized care. While living in an intimate environment that promotes safety and socialization, Reminiscence residents can stay active with enriching programming and nutritious cuisine tailored to their dietary needs and preferences.
Our compassionate team members may also practice the Validation method, an empathy-based communication technique that helps us meet residents where they are, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of self-worth.
Transitioning a loved one to a memory care community can provide great peace of mind. When a caregiver no longer has to provide hands-on support for their loved one, they may even find that their relationship is strengthened.
Explore your memory care options by finding a Sunrise community near you today.