For seniors and loved ones of seniors with a failing memory, the first signs and symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia can be jarring. The first forgotten appointment, lost memory, or trouble with remembering your name is alarming and scary.
Experiencing memory loss with a loved one is hard, and you may be at a loss of what to do from here. However, this is not the end of their quality of life. Your senior loved one can still lead a happy, healthy, fulfilling lifestyle using the memory care services like those here at our Bayshire Carlsbad community.
A memory care facility is just what it says on the tin: it’s a special service in an assisted living or retirement community that helps cater to those who are starting to suffer from diseases that impair their cognitive abilities. The professionals who work in these facilities are well-trained to closely monitor their health and emotional changes at any time, unlike at home where you will need breaks and time to yourself. With this constant, around-the-clock care and monitoring, memory care services can be a saving grace for caregivers.
These services also do not need to be full time. While most memory-care facilities are long term, you do have the option of having a short-term or even one-time stay, depending on how vital the services are and your healthcare/health insurance provider. There are many options when moving forward on such a big step like this.
So, how can it make a difference in my senior family member’s life?
Not only does a memory care facility benefit the caregiver, having that around-the-clock specialized care can be a blessing to your loved one. Some ways that a memory care service can help are:
Safety and Security of Your Loved One.
One of the biggest worries that caregivers have about their senior loved ones, especially those with cognitive issues, is that of their safety. Caregivers are not going to be able to be home at all times, and their loved one is not going to be able to go with them everywhere they need to go, like work, the store, etc. With an elderly loved one in one of our memory care services, they are able to go out and run errands, go to work, or take a nap with the security of knowing that their senior is safe and being looked out for, even when they aren’t there. Plus, because of the specialized training that the workers in memory care facilities and units have, should an emergency occur, they are much more equipped to handle it than the family member at home.
Independence.
Along those lines, independence is another major factor in considering a memory care service for a loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It not only provides you as the caregiver a little more independence in your own day-to-day life, but it allows the same for your senior. Because they have the benefit of being surrounded by professionals, they’ll be able to participate in more of the activities and hobbies that they love without the fear of harm. There’s also the added bonus of other residents, allowing them to make friends and have more social interaction than just the caregiver at home.
Providing Assistance Where Needed.
It’s difficult as a caregiver to always give your loved one the assistance they need. Whether it be helping with their medicine or simply doing a load of laundry, long-term memory care facilities can assist your senior loved one with helping them keep track of their medicine, reminding them about (and helping them with) laundry, assisting with meal prep and meal times, and other various tasks. They’re able to give them the helping hand that they need that you may not always be able to fulfill yourself.
Keeping an Active and Healthy Lifestyle.
Because of the ability to be actively monitored, your senior loved one in a memory care facility or receiving those services will be able to more easily participate in activities. Here at Bayshire Carlsbad, we have all kinds of classes and events that your loved ones can attend to keep them engaged and active. We also offer activities that challenge your brain and help improve cognitive abilities, like table games, “name that tune,” and “brain fit.” This can help keep your senior’s mind sharp and active, even if they aren’t able to be as physically active any longer.
A More Individualized Care Plan.
Because each professional is able to spend a large amount of time with the residents, they take special care to get to know each one. They learn about their histories, their stories, and their families, and are able to use that knowledge to help give them a more individualized experience. While as caretakers, you may often have other obligations to attend to along with caring for your loved one, these professionals’ main focus is your senior, giving them the best opportunity for growth and wellness.
Should I Enroll My Senior in Memory Care Services?
Ultimately, the decision to enroll your senior loved one in memory care services is a discussion that needs to be had with the whole family. It can provide a safe and secure way for your senior to receive the care that he or she needs while lightening the load on your plate as the caretaker. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, it might be the best option to allow for a more independent and fulfilled lifestyle.
It can be hard to let a loved one go into an assisted care facility when you believe that you are fully capable of taking care of them, but sometimes, it’s best to allow the professionals to give you the assistance that you and your family truly need. Sometimes, it can be the best for your loved one to be in an assisted memory care facility, allowing them to receive the most attention, the most assistance, and the best possible care.
