Dementia symptoms can progress and prove challenging to manage at home. This is where a memory care community can help. Finding memory care for your loved one is a big and life-changing decision for them and you. The search process can be overwhelming if your loved one has very specific needs and you may be concerned about whether these needs will be met. Therefore, it is important to plan and research extensively, as you need to make sure that your loved one will be well looked after. Here, we have listed three common mistakes you should avoid when finding memory care.
Failure to Consider Future Needs
If your loved one has a health condition that needs special care and attention, it is essential to find a memory care community that addresses these needs on top of their existing dementia symptoms. However, you need to remember that the symptoms of dementia itself can progress over time. Check with their doctor on how their conditions can manifest as time goes by, and be ready for it. You should therefore select a memory care community that can accommodate your loved one’s potential needs in the future. It should be well-equipped with amenities and medical provisions that cater to your family’s current and future needs.
Failure to Discuss with Your Loved One
Sometimes, we may think we know everything about our loved ones and their needs, and thus make important decisions for them. However, they need to have a say on such a big decision as it involves the type of care they will receive. Ultimately, they know themselves best. Failure to discuss such a big decision with them can lead to your loved one feeling abandoned and sad. Therefore, you need to ensure that you talk to your loved ones about moving to memory care. This can be very challenging as dementia patients may have trouble communicating their needs and wants, but it is still important to ask for their thoughts and input on the matter. It will show them that you respect and value their feelings. Feeling loved and valued can lower their risk of feeling misunderstood, lonely, and other negative emotions. Where possible, review the plan with them to ensure that the memory care community you have chosen meets their needs and preferences, as well as yours. This makes the transition smoother and easier for all parties involved.
Procrastination
While it may make perfect sense to take your time in researching and considering the various options, waiting until the very last minute may have negative consequences. This includes your loved one’s health deteriorating or even losing the placement opportunity in your preferred community due to all places being taken up. When this happens, you may feel pressured to quickly get them a place somewhere else, and select any available place you happen to come across. This can be ineffective as that community may not be the most suitable for your loved one. Therefore, early planning is crucial. Remember to have a tour of at least three memory care communities before making a decision. The goal is for them to be happy in their new community while getting the best care possible.
