When you are looking for memory care for your loved one, there are a lot of questions on your mind. With so much information, options and unknowns, it can be difficult to find the right memory care community. This blog will explore what memory care is, how to know if memory care is needed, and when to move to into a memory care community

What is Memory Care for Seniors?

Memory care provides specialized care to residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. At Heritage Pointe, around-the-clock care is provided and is personalized to each resident. It is an important part of our memory care community that our staff supports each resident’s individuality through personalized care and research-based, life-enriching programs.

We work to understand our residents’ life experiences, daily routines and interests to enhance their quality of life while providing safety and a sense of daily purpose. No matter the level of support needed, our staff is prepared to provide high-quality memory care.

How to Know if Memory Care is Needed

Forgetting things from time to time is a normal part of aging. Age-related memory loss shouldn’t cause a major disruption in you or your loved one’s life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia may include:

•  Changes in memory, reasoning or thinking
•  Asking the same questions often
• Forgetting common words
• Mixing up words
• Taking longer to complete familiar tasks
• Getting lost in a familiar area
• Drastic mood changes

If you suspect you or your loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to be assessed by a doctor who will ask a series of questions to determine the degree of memory loss. A dementia diagnosis is the first step to acceptance before finding treatment and appropriate living plans.

Even if care is not immediately needed, it can ease stress later to find a memory care community now that would be a good fit down the road. Our team at Heritage Pointe is ready to support you or your loved one through this journey.

When to Move to a Memory Care Community

There isn’t a one-size fits all approach when transitioning into a memory care community.

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends using the following questions to determine if living at home is no longer an option:

• Is your loved one becoming unsafe in their current home?
• Is the health of your loved one, or your health as a caregiver, at risk?
• As a caregiver, are your loved one’s care needs beyond your ability?
• Would structure and social interaction benefit your loved one?
• Are you becoming stressed, irritable or impatient as a caregiver?
• Does your loved one require medication or monitoring you can’t provide?

If your loved one doesn’t need care today, but you’re worried the answers to these questions may change, it could be beneficial to explore memory care communities now. It’s never too early to tour communities and ask questions. Oftentimes, communities have waitlists that provide some buffer time to get your bearings before moving your loved one.

We know finding Alzheimer’s and dementia care is overwhelming and emotional. You are not alone — connect with our team today to learn more about Heritage Pointe and our memory care community.