How to Choose the Right Level of Memory Care for Your Loved One

Discovering that a family member or loved one has developed a memory loss condition like Alzheimer’s or Dementia can be difficult and raise uncertainty about the level of care that can be provided to them if they continue living at home. Luckily, there are a number of live-in options available at dedicated care centers that are perfect for individuals with memory loss conditions, but how do you know which level of care is most suitable? In this guide, we’ll be breaking down the different care levels available, so that your loved one can receive the best support.

Completing a Needs Triage

Before you confirm a residential place and care plan for your loved one, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of their needs level. To do this, there are a number of points to consider:

• How often does your loved one suffer the tell-tale signs of memory loss?
• What events trigger behavioral patterns, such as wandering off or becoming anxious?
• Is on-hand support available from family members who live nearby?
• Has your loved one expressed a desire to receive additional care?

Residential Living

In the early stages of a memory loss condition, most people will only struggle with light symptoms on occasion, such as forgetting the odd name or where they left something. While these symptoms can be worrying, they do suggest that your loved one might be suitable for a place in residential care, where they’ll live on-site at a care facility, but receive little assistance from staff except where needed. Because most memory care conditions do worsen over time, when searching for an appropriate residential living facility, it’s a good idea to choose a location that can then offer additional care services if your loved one’s condition deteriorates.

Memory Care Assisted Living

Assisted living is designed for residents who have a moderate care need. This could be a result of the deterioration of their condition, or an event that has triggered the demand for further support, despite the individual still being active or independently mobile. In an assisted living facility, staff will be on-hand to provide extra care wherever needed and can work with your family to write an appropriate support plan. Visit https://catholiccarecenter.org/memory-care/ to discover more about the top-class facilities offering memory care assisted living.

Full-Time Memory Care

For residents who require a higher level of skilled nursing, or have advanced memory loss conditions, full-time dedicated memory care may be the best option. Typically, most assisted living facilities will have a separate unit for advanced memory loss patients, designed with higher level security to cope with the demands of residents who may regularly wander off and get lost. In these units, residents will receive intensive nursing support as part of a specialized program.

Supporting a relative with a memory loss condition can be challenging and overwhelming, but by developing a solid understanding of their care needs, you can choose the right level of assistance and see them feeling back to normal in no time. Choosing the right facility should always be your top priority, as this is the best way to ensure that they get the help they require.