Every family has a different idea of when it is appropriate to move a loved one to memory care from assisted living. Thankfully, decision-making and change are frequently collaborative processes. Moving to memory care is typically in someone’s best interests when they start displaying dementia symptoms that endanger both their wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others. In this article, we will discuss some of the signs that it is time to move into a memory care center in Chalmette, LA, along with an overview of the transitioning process.
What Are the Signs?
- Elopement or wandering
- Aggressive behavior
- Chronic forgetfulness
- Lack of hygiene
- Social challenges
- Abnormal eating habits
- Getting lost
- Difficulties getting involved in scheduled events
How Does Memory Care Help?
Memory care centers offer individualized treatment to dementia patients in an effort to lessen confusion and improve quality of life. The staffing ratio is a key distinction between memory care and assisted living. For one-on-one assistance and guidance, additional staff members are present in memory care throughout the day and night. Additionally, team members have received specific training in dementia care, enabling them to interact with patients more effectively and avoid difficult dementia reactions.
What to Do prior to the Transition
Activities, security features, and professional expertise should all be taken into account while visiting or making a selection. Prepare a list of inquiries to bring up while touring memory care establishments. It might be useful to visit several communities to find out what type of assistance is provided to families locally or directly. Although some memory care establishments could include live or online support groups, others might hire public speakers to offer continuous instruction.
What Is the Transition Process Like?
A residency agreement is signed as a resident enters an assisted living center. This agreement is comparable to an apartment lease. It describes the procedures for moving in and making payments and talks about how relatives may be informed if extra care is ever required or if prices change. Team members of the community do an assessment once a person settles in. The community is in charge of overseeing and controlling a resident’s actions, routines, and care. Employees ought to be able to identify a resident’s requirements and the best way to meet them based on this evaluation. Following the initial assessment, communities frequently hold weekly care planning meetings to review each resident’s requirements and decide whether any care modifications are necessary.
The outcomes of this evaluation may influence some people’s decision to move to memory care from assisted living. When staff and medical experts conclude that a resident’s care requirements have evolved and that memory care might be the best option, they will meet with the family to discuss concerns and possibilities. The family will often be requested to sign an addition to the initial residence contract if memory care is necessary, which confirms the move from the community’s assisted living section to a memory care section. It is not necessarily the case, though, that a patient with dementia will be moved when their cognitive health deteriorates over time.
