When is it Time to Consider a Memory Care Community?

Caring for a parent or a spouse with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is a difficult task.  As the disease progresses, families become concerned about their ability to keep the person well cared for and safe.  For some families, trying to hang on and care for a loved one at home may be creating a situation that is not optimal for the individual or the caregiver.  

Experts say there are signals that more care is needed such as is the person eating regularly? Have they lost or gained an unusual amount of weight lately?  Do you suspect the person is missing medication doses or may be taking too much medication? Have they fallen recently? Have you found the burners on the stove left on?  Other warning signs may include aggressive behaviors, wandering, or forgetting where they are when they are out of the home. Neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD, director of the Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that “The main reason to move out of a home to assisted living is when there are not enough resources to safely care for the person with dementia at home.”

Another reason for more professional care, and just as important, is caregiver burnout.  Experts explain that you should not feel guilty if caring for your loved one is taking a toll on your own health and wellbeing.  They also suggest the person may be bored at home. Assisted living communities with dedicated memory care have activities geared toward those with dementia, and the person may find comfort in being around those in a similar situation.  

If it is time to consider an assisted living community with specialized memory care, we suggest MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.  We offer 19 secure memory care suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide individualized memory care.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living and memory care in the area.