These are tough times for those who have to care for their elderly loved ones, and one of the most difficult transitions is from assisted living to a memory care facility. Knowing the signs that it’s time to switch can make all the difference. Below are a series of signs that it’s time to consider moving from an assisted living facility to some form of memory care:
1.) Change in Behavior
The first sign that it’s time to transition from an assisted living facility to a memory care facility is when your loved one’s behavior changes. For example, if someone has been doing fine at an assisted living facility but suddenly starts acting out or losing their mind, it’s time to consider migrating.
2.) Loss of Interest in Activities
Another sign that it’s time to consider moving from assisted living to memory care is when your loved one no longer wants to do the activities they used to enjoy. This could be as simple as watching television, playing board games, going for a walk, or doing puzzles with friends and family. If they don’t want to do things that were once part of their daily routine, it’s time to think about moving on.
3.) Forgetfulness About Important Details
One of the hallmarks of dementia is the forgetfulness of significant events. If you start to notice that your loved one is having memory lapses with things like birthdays and anniversaries, it might be time to consider moving on. You also might want to consider moving if you notice your loved one forgetting how to perform basic activities like how to use the microwave or how to dial a phone.
4.) Poor Hygienic Habits
If your loved one loses interest in grooming or hygiene and starts to act more like a teenager than an elderly adult, it’s time to move. If they forget how to take care of their personal hygiene needs, it’s time to consider moving to assisted living with memory care.
5.) Difficulty Eating and Drinking
Another sign that it’s time for a move is if your loved one begins having trouble eating and drinking. Difficulty eating can be a sign that they have dementia, but it can also be the result of an illness or medical condition. If your loved one cannot take a proper bite or drink without spilling or choking, it’s time to consider moving on.
6.) Lack of Sleep
Another sign that it’s time for assisted living with memory care is when someone has trouble sleeping through the night. If your loved one is having trouble sleeping right through to the morning, it might be because of a medical condition or dementia. Regardless of the cause, it’s time to think about a move.
7.) Difficulty Performing Activities of Daily Living
Suppose your loved one is having difficulty performing activities of daily living like preparing meals and tidying up the house. In that case, it might signify that they have dementia or are simply suffering from an illness or medical condition. Regardless, it’s time to consider a move if they’re having difficulty with these activities.
8.) Disorientation
Disorientation can be a very clear sign of dementia, but it could also indicate that your loved one is suffering from an illness or medical condition. Regardless of the cause, if your loved one is confused about where they are, where they have been, and who they are, it’s time to consider moving on.
9.) Wandering
Wandering can be a very clear sign of dementia, but if it’s because your loved one suffers from an illness or medical condition, it’s still time to consider a move. For example, if your loved one cannot remember where they have been and can’t hold down an elevator, it might be time to consider a move.
10.) Confused About Personal History
If your loved one is confused about their own history and finds it difficult to remember where they have been and who they have been with, it could be due to dementia. However, it could also be the result of an illness and a medical condition.
11.) Daily Decline in Appearance
If your loved one has always been wearing clothes that were neatly pressed and clean-shaven, and now they are wearing ill-fitting clothing and a beard, it might be time to think about a move. If your daughter, who was always well-groomed, starts letting her hair go, she might have dementia or an illness or medical condition.
12.) Weight Loss and Gain
Weight loss and gain are signs of aging, but an illness or medical condition can also cause them. If your loved one who has always had a steady weight suddenly starts losing or gaining weight quickly, it might be because of a medical condition. If you notice that they are losing or gaining weight for no apparent reason, it’s time to consider a move.
13.) Olfactory Changes
It’s quite common for older people to lose their sense of smell or to have a diminished sense of smell, but it can also be a sign that your loved one has dementia. If you notice that your loved one is having issues smelling the food they are eating, it might be time to consider moving on.
Conclusion
The idea of moving your loved one to assisted living with memory care may sound frightening, but if you’re ready for the time to start removing your loved one from their home, it’s best to have this conversation sooner rather than later. It can be difficult to watch someone you love undergo these changes, and sometimes moving them into an assisted living facility with memory care might be the only option. Naming the issues and communicating with your loved one can make moving on much easier.