Aging is a journey filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. However, as a loved one’s needs evolve, there may be a point where they need more help than they’re getting.
While assisted living is excellent for many older adults, it’s not perfect for every situation. So, what can you do when assisted living is not enough?
When your loved one begins showing signs of cognitive decline or serious medical conditions, it’s time to look into higher levels of care.
Fortunately, specialized options like memory care exist to help older adults with unique needs. You can help your loved one preserve their dignity and quality of life—even when problems like cognitive decline are involved.
Signs Assisted Living May No Longer Be Enough
Assisted living is a way to preserve independence despite the challenges of age. These communities work hard every day to help every resident maintain their personal autonomy. Yet, age sometimes brings new challenges, and sometimes, assisted living is no longer ideal.
Advanced Medical Needs
When your loved one’s health reaches a point where complex medical conditions are emerging, assisted living may no longer be enough.
For example, memory care can enrich the lives of seniors experiencing significant cognitive decline while nursing homes can provide around-the-clock medical expertise for those living with chronic illness.
Memory Issues
Memory loss is often one of the first signs that a person needs more specialized care. When your loved one begins to forget daily tasks, take medications incorrectly, neglect personal hygiene, or exhibit unsafe behaviors like wandering, memory care may be the right solution.
Behavioral Changes
Changes in behavior—such as aggression, anxiety, or confusion—indicate that your loved one requires more focused care. A regular assisted living community may be unequipped to manage behavioral shifts.
With their specialized training, memory care staff can guide older adults through these changes, helping them protect their safety while respecting their dignity.
Overall Safety Decline
Safety is always a priority. When your loved one experiences difficulty with mobility, frequent falls, or other physical challenges, their safety may be at risk.
While assisted living can offer valuable support, these communities aren’t typically designed for individuals with severe mobility or complex medical concerns, creating challenges when cognitive health declines or medical emergencies become more frequent.
Memory care communities offer a supportive and structured environment with specialized safety features, allowing your entire family to gain peace of mind.
Social Withdrawal or Emotional Isolation
If your loved one is withdrawing socially, appearing disengaged, or showing signs of anxiety or depression, don’t ignore it. These changes are often subtle signs that they need more personalized emotional or psychological support.
Fortunately, memory care communities like ours create personalized plans and social opportunities designed to make connecting easier than ever.
Is Assisted Living the Only Senior Care Option?
Once assisted living is no longer enough to meet your loved one’s needs, you have options. One of the most effective options for older adults with cognitive decline is memory care.
Memory Care: How Does It Work?
Memory care is a specialized senior care lifestyle that focuses on helping those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other conditions that cause significant cognitive decline.
Memory care provides a safe and secure environment filled with love and connection. Every day is carefully structured to bring stability to everyday life, which helps prevent frustration or agitation.
Every feature—from the teams on-site to the environment itself—is thoughtfully designed.
How to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care
Making the transition from assisted living to memory care is a big step. The process can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. Taking it slowly and with a clear plan can help ease the stress.
Start the Conversation Early
Discuss the possibility of a move to memory care with your loved one before a crisis occurs. Discussing the future calmly and with understanding can ease any worries and allow your loved one to feel involved in the decision-making process.
Frame the change in a positive light, focusing on the increased safety and specialized care they will receive.
Tour Memory Care Communities Together
When possible, visit potential memory care communities together. Let your loved one meet the staff and explore the new environment. Touring the community ahead of time will help them feel more comfortable and prepared for the transition.
It’s also a good way to see if the community matches your loved one’s needs.
Offer Emotional Support During the Transition
Recognize that transitioning to memory care can be an emotionally challenging experience. Reassure your loved one that the transition is about providing them with more support and safety. Listen to their concerns and address any fears or confusion they may have.
It’s important that you remind them about how this change will benefit them. Memory care isn’t about taking anything away from them—it’s a chance to restore their dignity and get them the help they need to live the life they deserve.
Stay Organized & Prepare for the Move
To make the process smoother, stay organized and on top of logistics. Being organized involves preparing healthcare records, managing legal paperwork, and communicating effectively with everyone involved in the transition.
Having everything in place ahead of time will help reduce stress.
What to Do When It’s Time for Memory Care
When it becomes clear that assisted living is no longer enough, don’t worry. By making the move to memory care, you’re giving your loved one the tools they need to maintain their quality of life. With the right community at your side, you’re making a big difference.
Here at Kingston of Dupont, we’re ready to welcome your loved one to our memory care community. We focus on offering personalized, supportive care to help older adults enjoy meaningful experiences in a place that feels just like home.
Schedule a tour with us today, and together, let’s give your loved one the care they deserve.
