If you are looking after a senior loved one with dementia, you’ll know that they cannot live safely on their own and would benefit from assistance which includes memory care. This means you may be tasked with caregiving duties to ensure they’re safe and secure. However, as your loved one moves through the stages of the cruel disease, there will come a point where they’ll need outside help.
Dementia is a slow and unpredictable illness, which means you can never be certain about what’s around the corner. The memory care facilities for dementia patients provide a safe, secure, and caring environment. If you’re not sure whether it’s time, here are some signs which may indicate your senior loved one is ready for assisted living.
Unable to Complete Basic Tasks
One of the saddest parts of dementia is seeing your loved one unable to perform the simplest of tasks. Whether it’s cleaning the house, putting clothes on, or tying their shoes, if your loved one is having great difficulty doing these, it may be time to look into assisted living. While you can be there to assist with some tasks, if your loved one is getting worse, don’t hesitate to take action.
Emotionally Withdrawn
It’s common for those living with dementia to become emotionally and socially withdrawn. This is because, as your loved one progresses through the disease, they will have trouble making conversation. When this happens, your loved one may prefer to be on their own or be nervous around others. Should you move your loved one to assisted living, there are opportunities for them to engage with other residents, which can enhance their social life.
Caregiver Burnout
While there are many signs to look out for in your loved one regarding the need for assisted living, you need to think about yourself too. If you’re their sole caregiver, over time, you may have more difficulty performing duties. While it’s normal to feel caregiver guilt, if you cannot provide the right care and support for your loved one, it may be time to look into assisted living.
Loss of Mobility
Not only will your loved one face the challenge dementia brings, as they age, their mobility will decline too. This means they may struggle to get around the house and perform simple tasks. If you’re having difficulty physically handling your loved one, it may be time to look into assisted living options.
Poor Personal Hygiene
If your loved one always took pride in their appearance, and now they’re neglecting their personal hygiene, this is a cause for concern. Whether you’ve noticed your loved one isn’t showering regularly, or they aren’t looking after their oral hygiene, these are signs that your loved one may be better off in an assisted living facility.
No one wants to see their loved one progressively get worse with dementia. Sadly, this is out of your control. However, what is in your control is the ability to move your loved one into an assisted living facility. There, they will get the best care and support possible as they progress through the disease.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
