When Does Someone Need Memory Care? | Abbey Delray

When Does Someone Need Memory Care? 10 Common Signs of Memory Loss in Seniors

It’s not a conversation adult children look forward to having with an aging parent, nor one many of us feel well-prepared to have. The topic? Deciding when someone we love needs memory care.

Yet knowing when someone needs memory care due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may be among the most important and compassionate discussions we can have with our family members. These conversations can be overwhelming, but recognizing the signs early is a crucial step in ensuring your loved one receives the care and support they deserve.

So, when is it time for memory care? Our comprehensive guide outlines ten common indicators that may signal the need for specialized memory care.

Once you’ve recognized these signs, use our detailed checklist to make informed decisions in your search for memory care communities or other long-term care options. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your loved one receives the care and attention they deserve.

 

grandparent looking at a photo album with her granddaughter

10 warning signs of memory loss

The Alzheimer’s Association outlines ten common signs and symptoms of memory loss that could suggest Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. While your loved one may not exhibit all ten signs, the association strongly encourages people not to ignore any of these symptoms.  If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with a doctor. A diagnosis may indicate the need for specialized care.

  1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. This includes forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, or asking the same questions repeatedly.
  2. Misplacing items and not being able to retrace steps. We all lose things, but most of us can retrace our steps to find the item. Someone with Alzheimer’s may be unable to return to where they were because they can’t remember, or may have placed the item someplace unusual (such as putting their wallet in the freezer). Consequently, they may accuse someone else of stealing the item.
  3. Challenges in planning or problem-solving. There may be changes in your loved one’s ability to follow a plan or work with numbers. Or they struggle to follow a recipe or keep track of monthly bills – both things they never had trouble with before.
  4. Trouble completing familiar tasks. This includes having issues driving to a location they know very well or have visited many times before, like the grocery store or library. They may also struggle with creating a grocery list, or forget the rules of a game they know well.
  5. Decreased or poor judgment. Your finance-conscious family member may begin to use questionable judgment when dealing with money, or your usually well-dressed loved one may not pay as much attention to their hygiene and overall personal care as they once did.
  6. Confusion with time or place. Your loved one may lose track of the seasons and the passage of time, forget dates, not remember how they got somewhere, or forget where they are.
  7. Recent problems with writing or speaking. These issues include having trouble following or joining a conversation, or finding a word for a familiar object.
  8. Retreating from social activities. This often goes hand in hand with difficulty speaking. Once the person starts to struggle to hold a conversation, they may pull back from family gatherings, hobbies, or social outings.
  9. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer’s and could lead to issues with balance or problems reading. Your loved one may be having difficulty driving or may have even had recent car accidents.
  10. Mood or personality changes. Perhaps your normally cheerful, upbeat loved one has become depressed, anxious, or fearful. Or they’ve become more confused, suspicious, or easily upset.

These changes can be subtle and are often attributed to normal aging. However, if you notice a persistent pattern or significant impact on their daily life, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional. If you and your loved one’s provider feel it may be time to consider senior memory care, the next step is choosing a memory care facility that can support your loved one’s needs. If you’re ready to start your search, here are five things senior living experts say you should look for in a memory care community.

 

memory care resident and caregiver talking about memory care

Your memory care facility checklist

  1. When selecting a memory care community, prioritize your loved one’s comfort, safety, and well-being. Look for:
    1. A safe and thoughtful setting and layout. Look at an individual residence. Is it designed to be safe and secure? Are there visual cues to help a resident find their apartment? People with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss often wander. Are there walking paths or circular hallways for them to walk without becoming frustrated by dead ends? Is there a secure outdoor area where they can safely enjoy fresh air?
    2. Specially trained team members. Are team members trained to work with residents who have Alzheimer’s or dementia? Do they receive ongoing training to stay current on the most recent approaches to care? Do they take the time to create a personalized care plan with family members to ensure a resident’s needs, preferences, and personal history are honored and respected? Is there a nurse and certified nursing assistant on-site 24 hours a day?
    3. Activities, dining, and programming are tailored to memory care residents. Ask to see the weekly menus and dining space and inquire if there’s a dietitian on staff. Also, ask for a monthly calendar of scheduled programs and activities to get a sense of how team members keep residents engaged and active.
    4. Amenities that are suitable for memory care. Some senior living communities offer abundant amenities, from saltwater pools and saunas to reserved golf cart parking and pickleball courts. But don’t become enamored by amenities your loved one may never use. Instead, make sure the memory care community offers appropriate services and features your family member can enjoy and benefit from, such as:
      • salon and barbershop
      • chef-inspired meals
      • sunroom
      • arts and crafts room
      • laundry and housekeeping
      • activities that encourage social engagement

    Additional assistance for your loved one. Does the community provide assistance with activities of daily living? Or help with medication management? What about restorative therapy so your loved one can maintain a level of independence?

Memory Care at Abbey Delray

If you’re unsure where to start searching for quality memory care, let our experts at Abbey Delray help you. Our all-new memory care suites, highly trained team members, and thoughtful services and amenities create a setting where your loved one can live comfortably and enjoy a better quality of life. You’ll rest easier, too, knowing you made the best decision for your family member.

If you’d like to see all that Abbey Delray offers, schedule a personal visit —and bring our checklist above with you! To start the conversation, simply contact us at 888.589.5778. You can also fill out the contact form below.