The progressive nature of dementia may mean that there will come a time when your loved one can no longer safely care for themselves independently and will require full-time support.
Starting memory care isn’t dependent on a specific timeline. When the physical, cognitive, social, and safety needs of your loved ones are no longer met, it may be time for memory care.
The Progressive Nature of Cognitive Decline
Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are cognitive disorders that impact our brain’s function over time. These conditions are progressive, meaning as the disease advances, symptoms become more severe.
This progression is broken down into seven stages to help describe the severity of symptoms. These stages range from early to late stages, each requiring different levels of care and support.
By understanding the stages of cognitive decline, families can provide an appropriate level of support and make the timely transition to memory care when needed.
Can Seniors Start Memory Care Early?
There’s no universal “right time” because each person’s experience with dementia or Alzheimer’s is different. Consider your loved one’s safety and overall wellness to influence the decision to start memory care.
Some people with early-stage dementia can live independently with minimal support, while others may require more assistance and supervision as their condition progresses. Since everyone experiences the symptoms of these stages differently, there’s no “stage” at which memory care becomes obligatory.
However, it may still be beneficial to start memory care early. Residents may more readily adjust to a new space, as they can interact and adapt more openly to changes. This helps reduce feelings of confusion, anxiety, and stress, making the transition smoother. Memory care also provides regular cognitive assessments and enrichment to help slow the progression of dementia.
Signs It Might Be Time For Memory Care
When your loved one is having difficulty performing daily tasks safely, or when they begin experiencing disorientation and disinhibition, memory care can intervene and enhance their independence.
Declining Physical Health
Identifying signs of declining physical and cognitive health can help determine whether it’s time to transition to memory care. These changes signify a decreased capacity for your loved one to safely manage daily activities and self-care.
Chronic fatigue, reduced mobility, and increased tremors may indicate difficulties in performing daily living activities. Memory care caters to these needs by offering support with activities of daily living. Memory care provides a safe, open space with structured support to help enhance mobility and independence.
When older adults forget to prepare meals or eat, they may experience sudden weight loss. In some cases, they may lack the appetite and struggle to maintain good nutrition.
Our community at Kingston at Dupont provides residents with a wonderful dining experience, where our chef prepares nutritional meals. Residents can enjoy a comfortable dining experience without worrying about meal preparation or clean-up.
Additional physical changes to look for include:
- Loss of balance
- Muscle stiffness
- Increased body tremors
- Increased falls or injury
Declining Cognitive Health
Cognitive decline is often associated with:
- Memory lapses
- Trouble concentrating
- Shifts in behavior and mood
Frequent forgetfulness may include more incidents of forgetting names, appointments, or daily tasks that affect functioning. People with dementia can also forget to take medication or take too much medication.
Confusion about time, dates, and places can lead to missed meals, missed appointments, wandering, or getting lost in familiar environments. The disorientation caused by dementia can pose a risk to your loved one’s safety.
Social Withdrawal
As cognitive abilities decline, participating in social engagement, activities, and even loved hobbies can become increasingly difficult and overwhelming.
People with dementia may struggle following directions, communicating, and understanding others, causing them to gradually lose interest in maintaining social connections.
Signs of depression or anxiety that can manifest from a lack of social connection can exacerbate cognitive decline. Maintaining social bonds and interactions is a necessary component of emotional and cognitive health.
Memory care addresses this need by fostering social connections through group activities specifically designed to engage cognitive functions, allowing residents to feel connected and supported within a community environment.
Safety Concerns
Increased frequency of accidents, unexplained cuts and bruises, mishandling of medication, leaving household appliances on, and wandering all pose risks to your loved one’s safety, health, and well-being.
This safety concern extends to their ability to care for themselves. Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene or frequent incontinence can pose health risks to your loved one.
If your loved one’s cognitive decline severely impacts their ability to perform daily tasks independently, memory care might be the better option.
Schedule a Tour
Memory care is equipped to handle the complexities of the ongoing responsibilities of caring for those experiencing cognitive decline. Families can remain at peace knowing their loved one is well cared for in our community environment.
Connect with our team at Kingston at Dupont to schedule a tour of our memory care community and learn how we can help.
