5 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care

Your parents have always been a supporting pillar in your life. You want to see them as strong, capable, and independent. Even in their senior years, it’s nice when parents can still live on their own and enjoy independence, even with the help of family or caregivers. However, there may come a time when your parents can no longer live at home safely. Signs of dementia are common in the very elderly, and a little forgetfulness can be handled with routine. But at what point does your parent need memory care?

Memory care is a residential solution that helps seniors live safely when they can no longer care for themselves. These five signs can tell you when memory care is the right answer for your aging parents.

1) Becoming Unsafe at Home

Discussion of memory care often starts when you become worried about your parent’s safety due to dementia behaviors. Leaving the stove on, forgetting to pay the bills, or wandering away from home without someone to watch them are all indicators that dementia has progressed to the point where professional care in a safe senior home may be necessary to ensure your parent’s safety.

2) Withdrawing From Hobbies and Socialization

Withdrawal is one of the signatures of advancing dementia. A person having trouble keeping mental track may withdraw from their hobbies and social engagement because they don’t feel connected or worry that their dementia will become evident. Memory care can help by providing a routine of activities and social environments with minimal pressure so they can be enjoyed without keeping perfect track of time and events.

3) Can’t Remember the Day or Year

Losing track of time can become more dangerous as it progresses. It is normal to forget the date and remember it later. However, if your parent begins forgetting the year or season, it may be time to worry. Losing track of time in larger sections can lead to other mistakes that may put your parent at risk.

4) Forgetting Important Health Routines

One of the dangers of losing track of time is forgetting important health routines, like when to take medication or keep doctor’s appointments. They may stop taking medication or take too much, too often. They may skip appointments or even begin skipping meals because they forget when to eat. As people age, they require more health-related tasks in a daily and weekly routine. Forgetfulness can lead to much higher health risks as a result.

5) Neglecting Essential Cleaning and Care

Lastly, if your parent has begun neglecting to care for themselves or their home due to memory problems, it may be time for memory care. Self-care and basic cleaning are essential for a safe and healthy life. Even with home care, your parent needs to stay engaged with those essential life-maintenance tasks. Otherwise, they would benefit from care designed to accommodate memory loss.

Choosing Memory Care for Your Parent

If your parent can no longer live safely at home due to progressing dementia, memory care is the best way to help them. Memory care homes are designed to provide an enriching and low-stress environment where seniors can feel relaxed and enjoy their remaining years surrounded by friends. It provides an environment where their physical needs, medication, and surroundings are all taken care of by attentive staff.

At Silverbell Homestead, we provide memory aid therapy and memory-assisting environments to help your parents maintain their best possible memory health. Silverbell is an assisted living boutique offering enhanced living for elderly individuals in need of support and memory care. Contact us to learn more about our memory care program to assist your parent during this important transition.