When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care

What Is Memory Care? 

Memory care provides older adults with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia with 24-hour care in an environment uniquely designed to improve their quality of life. Residents in memory care enjoy a wealth of engaging activities and beautiful, secure common spaces that promote safety, calm, and independence.

 Memory care provides older adults with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia with 24-hour care in an environment uniquely designed to improve their quality of life. Residents in memory care enjoy a wealth of engaging activities and beautiful, secure common spaces that promote safety, calm, and independence.

The most comprehensive memory care programs work with each resident to make their days meaningful based on their individual interests, habits and preferred routine. From energizing group activities to day excursions, residents in memory care enjoy a range of activities designed just for them.

Here are just a few other features included in memory care:

• Respectful assistance with daily activities like bathing, eating, dressing and grooming

• Care team specifically trained to support residents with memory loss

• Compassionate reminders of activities and mealtimes

• Personalized care plans for each resident

• Customized rooms for safety and special needs

• Cleaning, laundry and housekeeping services

• Neighborhood strategically designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering

The Élite Collection by Silverstone and Watermark proudly provides memory care and assisted living in Florida, Maryland, Texas, and Virginia. Residents in every community celebrate senior living in an environment that offers an abundance of luxurious amenities, charming floor plans, and the latest memory care therapies and techniques.

When Should My Loved One Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care? 

While expert care team members get to know each resident on a personal level and are trained to search for early signs of memory impairment, no one knows them better than their family. This means you can spot early signs of memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease in your loved one before anyone else.

These are 5 signs it might be time for your loved one to move from assisted living to memory care:

 Wandering or elopement. Wandering is a common behavior in many older adults living with memory impairment as they lose their ability to recognize familiar places. In fact, 6 in 10 people living with memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease will wander at least once. This symptom of memory loss or

Alzheimer’s disease is particularly dangerous, because it could lead to an injury, a fall, or getting lost without the ability to retrace their footsteps back home.

Change in sleep habits. People with memory loss often have unusual sleep patterns. If your loved one is suddenly sleepy during the day and has difficulty sleeping for long periods at night or their sleep is less restful, it could be an early sign of memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to keep in mind the quality of a person’s sleep can be affected by many things like stress, medication and pain.

Changes in appetite. Many forms of memory loss can change the way a person eats and drinks. For instance, some older adults will enjoy flavors they’ve never liked before or eat foods that don’t match their beliefs or preferences. Certain forms of dementia affect the ability to chew and swallow, which may cause someone to avoid eating chewy or dry foods and drinking liquids, because it may cause them to choke.

Aggression. Aggression is one of the most challenging behaviors that can result from memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease, and it occurs for several reasons. Your loved one may be aggravated about new frustrations over familiar tasks, unable to communicate how they’re feeling, overstimulated by their surroundings, or feel out of control of their situation.

Repetitive behavior. Those with memory loss often repeat the same words, make the same gestures, or ask the same question repeatedly. You might notice your loved one keep checking their handbag, start repeatedly asking what day it is, or constantly zipping or unzipping their jacket. While most repetitive behavior isn’t harmful, it can irritate friends and family, if they don’t know their loved one has early-stage dementia.

Before approaching your loved one about moving from assisted living to memory care, reach out to their doctor, other family members, the care team at their senior living community, and anyone else involved in keeping them comfortable, calm, and safe.. They can provide you with the support you need to have a positive conversation about your family member transitioning to a higher level of care.

Discover Premier Memory Care Provided by The Élite Collection 

The Élite Collection by Silverstone and Watermark is passionate about providing attentive and customized care for every resident. Our signature programs are personalized, and our communities offer amenities, services, events, and expert-led enrichment opportunities to promote cognitive development and social interaction. To learn how we can make a difference in your loved one’s retirement, contact our senior living representatives online, and we’ll match you with the right community.