At Paintbrush Assisted Living, we know how challenging it can be for a family to care for a loved one dealing with memory issues, be it dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or memory loss. Seeing them struggle in their daily lives and face complexities such as communication difficulties, managing daily tasks, and maintaining social connections is very tough for the family. Deciding when to opt for professional care can be challenging, as one must look for specific signs that indicate memory care has become necessary. Here, we cover some key signs that indicate it’s time for the family to seek a reliable memory care option for their loved one’s evolving needs.

When Safety Becomes A Risk

Any incident or happening that impacts your loved one’s safety should be taken as a sign of potential risk to their well-being.

Wandering Or Getting Lost

The person may wander away from home and get lost, even in familiar places, for which memory care communities have secured exits and alarms to prevent this.

Household Dangers

Missing out on turning off appliances, leaving doors unlocked, or misusing household items can all create health hazards for seniors.

Medication Mismanagement

Missing doses or taking the wrong dose can have serious consequences for seniors. In memory care units, there are staff administrators to track medication routines and prevent mistakes.

Frequent Falls

Confusion, limited mobility due to weak bones, or poor judgment can all increase the risk of falls and serious injuries.

A Decline In Health And Daily Function

Witnessing a loved one experience discomfort and problems in daily life is a significant indicator that they need specialized professional care.

Poor Hygiene

Neglecting personal hygiene, such as not bathing, brushing teeth, or changing clothes, can lead to infections and UTIs, for which the person needs to be moved to a memory care setting.

Weight Loss Or Poor Nutrition

The person may forget to fulfill their nutritional needs or become incapacitated to prepare their meals safely. For this, memory care offers them a specialized diet and dining assistance.

Incontinence

The person may face difficulty with controlling their bladder or bowel movements.

Difficulty With Daily Tasks

A formerly independent individual may struggle with everyday tasks, such as cooking, managing finances, or getting dressed, due to aging or a decline in health, like weakened bones.

Unmanageable Behavioral And Mood Changes

Encountering instances where the loved one starts showing unusual behavior is another sign that they may need professional help with memory care.

Increased Agitation Or Aggression

Dementia and other memory issues can cause uncertain outbursts, paranoia, or restlessness, especially at night, known as sundowning.

Social Withdrawal And Isolation

The person may start losing interest in hobbies and social interactions, which leads them to depression and loneliness.

Difficulty Communicating

Struggling to find words, repeating stories, or struggling to follow conversations can cause frustration and confusion.

Dramatic Personality Shifts

One who’s been a patient and loving person may become overly irritable, anxious, or suspicious due to their confusion.

Paintbrush Assisted Living—A Homelike Memory Care Community

At Paintbrush Assisted Living, we understand the importance of selecting a trusted memory care community for a loved one. Deciding on the right time to make a transition can be challenging, as most families often lack knowledge about the signs to look for in a loved one that guide them in making a decision. However, the above information clearly outlines the clues and factors to consider when deciding whether to move a loved one to a professional setting or continue with at-home care.

For those who’ve realized that it’s time for their loved one to be moved to a professional, caring setting, such as a memory care community, they can contact us at Paintbrush Assisted Living. Our community is designed by a dementia expert and a leading technology partner, ensuring that individuals with memory impairments have a safe and secure place to live and lead a high-quality life. The compassionate caregivers of our community care for the residents as if they were their own family members. Contact us today and schedule a community tour.