It can often be challenging to decide when your parent or loved one needs assisted living care. When memory issues are present, one’s security, self-care, and other activities have their own set of urgency and considerations. Here are some of the things you should consider when evaluating the need for this special type of care and the facilities where that can be provided.
Bare Minimums
Communities that provide memory care have to meet certain minimum criteria. At the very least, you should make sure that the care center has LPN or RN nurses on staff, and residents should appear happy and well cared for. Residents should also be reasonably clean and well groomed.
Educated and Caring Staff
Memory problems are definitely not a sign of certain doom. In fact, new research is discovering that later stages of memory loss may be able to be slowed down when trained staff performs early interventions to prevent further losses of memory and other cognitive functions. Once you notice the early signs of memory loss in your parents, it might be a good idea to move them to a qualified assisted living community where they can get the care they need. Early intervention could actually slow the rate of decline and help to maintain their quality of life as long as possible.
Appropriate Therapies
Choosing a memory care community isn’t about getting a sitter for family members who need too much supervision and help – instead, it’s about getting them exactly the right kind of help that they need. Today, the medical community knows more than ever about how to help seniors with memory issues and dementia, and it’s not something most people can do alone. High quality memory care communities help seniors with appropriate therapies, including art, regular and safe exercise, behavioral treatments, medical care and a nutritious diet.
New research shows that Alzheimer’s disease and other issues may be linked to diabetes, so monitoring for possible Type 2 diabetes or treating existing cases of the disease can make the difference in memory care management as well.
If you feel like you don’t have the time and resources to devote to the care of your loved ones with memory and dementia issues, rest assured that you’re not alone. Giving the level of care that your parents deserve is more than a full-time job, and because most people have careers and children of their own to raise, it’s just not possible to do it all. You want your parents to have the best possible care. Please contact us so we can show you what we can do to help.
What are your biggest concerns about getting appropriate care for memory issues?
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