When your aging parent begins to have trouble with familiar tasks or remembering events, it may be a sign of dementia. Dementia can be a scary diagnosis, but your loved one will still be able to live a fulfilling life by moving to a memory care community with specialized services. Since the decision to make this transition can be difficult, it is important to choose a memory facility in St. Mary’s County, MD that offers a continuum of care to make the process easier.
Our SHINE® Memory Care program
Nationally acclaimed by the Alzheimer’s Association, our SHINE® Memory Care program is tailored to the unique needs of individuals with dementia. We use scientific principles to provide individualized care that focuses on specialized support, nutritious meals, medical monitoring and engaging activities to make life more purposeful for our residents.
Our holistic treatment plans emphasize communication with residents and families, extensive training for team members, and a handcrafted “My Story” book for each resident to aid with memory. Group and individual activities are organized to encourage physical activity and relaxation.
Signs Your Aging Parent Should Move to A Memory Care Facility
As people age, it is common for them to become more forgetful, making it difficult to detect the onset of dementia. Signs of dementia may include regular confusion, difficulty communicating, decreased participation in activities and requiring more help with daily tasks.
When someone with dementia is experiencing physical pain, it can be easy for others to misunderstand them as being difficult due to their reduced communication abilities. Physical pain may be attributed to loss of balance, stiff muscles, fatigue or incontinence.
Individuals with dementia may become less active in the community and withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. These are due to cognitive impairment that makes it challenging to participate in activities with more stimulation.
Regular confusion can pose a safety threat to your loved one since it is associated with decision-making impairment. Being forgetful might cause them to miss their medication or end up taking more than is required. They may also wander out of the community grounds and get lost when they lose sense of their surroundings. When these happen, a safe and controlled Memory Care environment will be ideal.
Caregivers Will Help Evaluate Your Aging Parent’s Condition
These signs can indicate that it is time to transition to memory care. This ensures that the cognitive and physical needs of your loved one with dementia are being met, as neglecting these needs can lead to isolation, accidents and declining health. If you notice these signs, do talk to the assisted living facility staff to determine the best course of action for their health and well-being.
Healthcare professionals in assisted living may recognize signs of dementia that family members overlook, such as changes in behavior or daily routines. Moving a loved one to a memory care community can then allow your loved one to live a more fulfilling life and give you peace of mind.
