One of the most heartbreaking experiences a person might go through is having a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Of course, you might want to take care of them until it’s over, but sometimes it can become difficult.
It can become a full-time job because people with dementia require constant supervision and help with everyday tasks. While knowing when to look for a memory care facility can be challenging, there are a few key indicators.
They Can No Longer Perform ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
People with dementia will lose the ability to care for themselves over a certain period. They will no longer be able to be independent and require support with ADLs for things like cooking or going to the bathroom.
In time, it becomes dangerous for them to live by themselves. As it’s a progressive disease, they will eventually forget how to perform daily activities, becoming a danger to themselves and the people around them.
You Have Noticed Behavioral Changes
People with Alzheimer’s become more irritated and aggressive as the disease takes its toll. They will become more agitated, and it will be harder and harder to talk to them and take care of them, especially in those moments of rage.
It is a very straightforward indicator that it’s time to consider a memory care facility. They usually have trained staff that know how to cope with behavioral changes and redirect the situation.
They Are Experiencing Hallucinations
When dementia progresses, sometimes people experience delusions and hallucinations. It can become very dangerous because it’s hard to care for somebody experiencing things that aren’t there. For example, they can see strange people in their houses and become aggressive.
It is another clear signal that it’s safer for them to get the appropriate help. If you search online for Alzheimer’s homes near me, you can find all the relevant memory care facilities near your home. You can investigate which is best for your loved ones and act accordingly.
They Frequently Get Lost
Another clear sign you should consider an Alzheimer’s home for your relative is if they wander and get lost. It’s difficult to track them 24/7, and an unsupervised trip can result in falling down the stairs.
Wandering behavior is one of the most common symptoms of dementia patients, and it becomes harder and harder to control as the disease progresses. However, if your relative is placed in a memory care facility, they are usually safe to wonder. Most nursing homes have continuous-loop walkways so that dementia patients never get lost.
They Are Showing Signs of Depression
As the disease progresses, taking your relative out for recreation and social connections becomes increasingly tricky. In the last stage of dementia, people are no longer mobile. In addition, loneliness and lack of social interaction can lead to depression. A memory care facility has on-site activities or music therapy to help them connect with others.
Caregiving at home typically becomes increasingly difficult as dementia progresses due to debilitating physical, mental, and emotional conditions. The staff of memory care communities, however, is devoted to making your loved one’s life as comfortable and seamless as possible.
