Living with dignity: exploring memory care in assisted living

When searching for a memory care facility, it’s crucial to understand and prioritize your loved one’s specific needs. Consider the following factors to guide your decision-making:

1. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Determine if your family member requires help with dressing, bathing, eating, and other ADLs. During the memory care assessment, ensure that the staff can provide the necessary support throughout the day and night.
2. Management of Chronic Health Conditions: If your loved one has diabetes or other chronic health conditions necessitating regular medication or injections, inquire about the facility’s capability to monitor their health needs effectively.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does my loved one exhibit aggression or difficult behaviors like anger and agitation?
2. Does my family member tend to wander, get lost, or frequently look for a way out?
3. Is mobility a concern? Can my loved one walk independently, or do they require mobility aids like a walker or wheelchair?
4. Does my loved one require round-the-clock supervision?
5. Does my parent need assistance with using the bathroom?
6. Does my family member require ongoing medical attention or treatments such as dialysis, diabetes management, or colostomy care?

If your loved one has severe health concerns requiring 24-hour supervised nursing care, a memory care community may not be the best fit. In such cases, a nursing home that can better cater to their needs might be recommended by the National Institute on Aging.

For individuals in need of skilled nursing or long-term care, the following considerations may apply:

1. Do they require constant medical care rather than shorter daily or weekly visits?
2. Are they generally bedridden, lacking the ability to move independently?
3. Can they feed themselves with assistance, or do they require a feeding tube?

Remember to take these factors into account when assessing the suitability of memory care facilities for your loved one’s specific requirements.

If you’re looking for any additional information please contact us at:https://briarclifferi.com/contact/