Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia can be challenging and emotional. You may wonder how long you can keep your loved one safe at home. It’s important to watch for indicators that advanced care may be needed to ensure your loved one’s safety and overall health and well-being.
Signs Your Loved One Living With Dementia May Need Memory Care
Keeping your home safe may become more difficult as your loved one’s disease progresses. The following signs are key indicators that your loved one’s safety may be at risk while living at home:
- Wandering
- Confusing night and day
- Struggling to use appliances safely
- Setting the thermostat too hot or cold
- Losing their judgment to make safe choices
- Getting lost outside the house
- Locking the keys in the car or house
Maintaining your loved one’s overall health and well-being may also become more challenging. Their behavior and emotions may be getting harder for you to manage when your loved one exhibits the following:
- Aggressive behaviors
- Problems with incontinence
- Decreasing mobility
- Weight loss or gain
- Forgetting to bathe
- Having difficulty managing medications
- Showing signs of depression and loneliness
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Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Make the Decision
- Does your loved one seem depressed or isolated?
- Do they have enough social interactions?
- Are they engaging in activities to strengthen cognitive functioning?
- Do caregivers know how to respond to behaviors like aggression, wandering, and agitation?
- Is your loved one leading a fulfilling life, despite their illness?
Is it the right time for memory care? Take this short quiz. >>
Top Quality of Life Benefits of Memory Care Programs
Although you may feel guilty about moving your loved one to a memory care community, it’s important to remember that the right services and care can help improve the quality of life of your loved one living with cognitive decline. The community can also serve as a support system for you as the caregiver.
Memory care communities are designed to keep residents safe, providing care services to help individuals experiencing cognitive decline live as independently as possible in order to live life to the fullest every day.
Research has shown that memory care programs using the appropriate interventions can improve the quality of life of individuals living with dementia. These interventions include, but are not limited to:
- Behavior therapy
- Caregiver education
- Environmental modifications
- Occupational therapy
- Physical activities and exercise programs
- Cognitive stimulation
- Support for family caregivers
The above interventions in memory care programs can help improve the quality of life for individuals living with cognitive decline in the following ways:
- Reduction in medication and adverse side effects
- Decreased falls and injuries
- Fewer emergency room visits
- Fewer incidents involving violent behaviors
- Increased nutrition and reduction in vitamin deficiencies
- Increased independence and social interactions
- Increased happiness
- Improved or maintained mental functioning
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Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living
Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your loved one’s future care.
Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.
Each Frontida community maintains a garden to incorporate seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables into our menus. We encourage healthy choices and well-balanced meals.
Learn how we care for our residents:
- Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
- Fully accessible, private bathrooms
- Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
- Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
- Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
- Access to a trusted network of physicians, nurses, podiatrists, and therapists
- Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
- 24-hour personal care and supervision
- Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
- Dedicated memory care communities
- Specialized mental health care communities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Individualized care plans
- Dedicated Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
- Dedicated Registered Nurse to oversee the health and wellness of each resident
We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
Download a copy of our memory care guide to learn more about your options. When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us.