There isn’t always a cut-and-dry answer to when someone should transition between levels of care in senior living. Some signs it’s time to move from assisted living to memory care could be an increase in wandering, increased anxiety or agitation, changes in eating habits, increased care demands, or social isolation.
Each senior’s individual situation and needs are the ultimate indicators of when it’s time to transition to a different type of care. For example, an assisted living community that also offers memory care may have the resources to provide a more gradual transition for the senior, such as The Landmark of Fridley..
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living refers to a senior living community where older adults can receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) from trained staff. Some common services provided in assisted living include assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing, medication management, meal preparation, and housekeeping or laundry services.
One common misconception about assisted living is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution for seniors. But each senior has unique needs and preferences, and some may be better suited for different types of care.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care communities share some similarities with assisted living but they’re different in their focus of care. Memory care communities, such as The Landmark of Fridley, cater to the unique needs of patients with memory and cognitive function issues.
Memory care communities are equipped with specially trained staff who understand and can meet the needs of patients with memory impairments. They often have training that allows them to identify and manage difficult behaviors caused by dementia and other memory-related illnesses.
One of the key benefits of memory care communities is that they offer a safe and secure environment for residents with cognitive impairments. The communities are specifically designed with safety in mind, with most communities offering locked and secure entrances to prevent wandering. Additionally, memory care communities are often equipped with safety features such as motion sensors and emergency call buttons, ensuring that residents can receive urgent assistance when needed.
Signs to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care
There are typically multiple factors at play when deciding on the timing to move from assisted living to memory care. Let’s look at a few signs that it may be time to consider the transition.
Increased Wandering or Confusion
If you notice that your loved one is wandering around more, forgetting where they are or how to get back to their room, it may be a sign that they need more specialized care. Memory care is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for residents with varying levels of cognitive decline.
Increased Anxiety & Agitation
Sudden outbursts of anger or crying could indicate that your loved one is feeling overwhelmed in their current living situation. Memory care staff is trained to help residents manage their emotions and provide calming techniques to soothe any anxiety or agitation.
Changes in Eating Habits
As cognitive decline progresses, it can affect a person’s ability to feed themselves properly. If you notice your loved one is losing weight, refusing to eat, or not remembering to eat, it may be time to consider memory care. The staff in memory care communities can help your loved one maintain a healthy diet.
It’s also important to note that in situations like changes in eating habits and weight loss, the senior’s healthcare provider should be included in the decision as well to ensure no other underlying issues are causing the weight loss.
Increased Care Demands
As cognitive impairment progresses, your loved one may need more assistance with basic personal care tasks such as bathing and grooming. Memory care provides the necessary support for those who need help with daily living activities.
Social Isolation
Loneliness and social isolation are common problems for those who live with dementia. Memory care communities offer a range of social activities as well as one-on-one interaction with staff trained in memory care. Your loved one can still maintain a sense of independence while connecting with others in a safe environment.
Find a Community that Supports a Smooth Transition
Call us today or schedule a tour online at The Landmark of Fridley Senior Living if you’re considering a community in Fridley for your loved one. Our compassionate team is happy to give you a community tour so you can see the quality of life and care your loved one can expect in our community.
