Moving a Loved One to a Memory Care Community

A Place for Mom’s website offers some advice to families regarding the need for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They explain early-on in the disease, many individuals are capable of living independently with family members overseeing some of their care. However, they also warn symptoms can vary from day to day and it can be difficult to know exactly when a person requires more supervision for their safety and wellbeing. 

Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says when speaking to families, he centers the conversation regarding additional care for their loved one on the “ability to perform activities of daily living and safety.” ADLs include things like dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. 

Other questions doctors may ask to evaluate a person’s ability to live on their own include: is he or she having trouble finding their way back home from familiar neighborhood routes? Are they forgetting to eat or drink and take medications? Is the person’s safety at risk? Have they left the stove on, have unexplained bruises, or had several falls recently?

Medical experts say it is important to let the person’s healthcare providers know as soon as you suspect a problem. They can do tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the confusion or memory loss; and take a look at the person’s medications to see if they are the problem. Also, if a diagnosis is made early-on, the person has the chance to weigh-in regarding care options down the road. 

At MorningStar of Littleton, an assisted living and Alzheimer’s care community, we have 20 secure suites devoted to the care of those with memory impairment.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort residents.  Visit our website to learn more about our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to care.

MorningStar of Littleton brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to contact us for more information about our loving Alzheimer’s care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care