How To Know Your Loved One Needs Memory Care: The Warning Signs

Unlike many medical conditions which tend to develop instantly, memory loss manifests gradually. You can easily miss, confuse or misunderstand the signs. The signs discussed below will help you know if the time is right to take your elderly loved one to a memory care Princeton unit.

Safety: Do you worry about them all the time?

People with memory loss become agitated and confused very easily. They also become physically violent. They put their safety and health at risk when they experience these problems. If your loved one has had a driving accident, unexplained injury or a fall, these are red flags indicating their deteriorating memory lapse. Do you always find yourself worried about them? Or call so many times to find out about their safety? It is a clear sign that you need to get them to a safer place.

Caregiver burnout: All the family members are exhausted

Taking care of someone with memory loss is physically exhausting and mentally draining. The situation becomes worse as the problem deteriorates. You might begin having burnouts over time which can be ultimately dangerous. Your mental and physical health will be affected and you will have a dual problem to solve. You need to take quick action when you realize that the burden is becoming unbearable. Memory care professionals have training to handle dementia cases regardless of the severity. They also work in shifts to avoid burnouts.

Neglect of health care needs: When your loved one no longer cares about their health

One of the primary indicators of worsening memory loss is when one starts to forget about their medication. Failing to take medicine as required or taking too much of it can result to serious medical problems. Memory loss may also affect you loved one's ability to prepare meals as well as eating nutritious diets. They unconsciously skip means and totally forget to shop for groceries. This can lead to exacerbation of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The best way to save the situation is my moving them a memory care unit where all their health care needs will be met.

Isolation: Memory loss is separating them from the world

Have you gotten to the point where you no longer take your dad or mom to a restaurant or for shopping because of his/her unpredictable behavior? Does she get disruptive if she fails to go out? And has she suddenly become lonely and restless? Well, these are sign you need to look out for. Memory care units have programs designed to keep their residents active and stimulated, including outings and trips. Their staff members are trained on techniques of redirection and distraction to keep the residents safe and calm.

Unusual physical change: They look different

Having difficulties with mobility, developing a hunched posture and sudden weight changes are indications that your loved one is losing touch with themselves. He could be gaining pounds because he forgets he has eaten and eats again or losing weight because he forgets to take meals. Moving slowly or hunched posture shows that they are unsure of where they are going.

If you have observed these telltale signs indicating that your loved one needs memory care, do not ignore them. There are many memory care Princeton units which offer several options to help address all the problems that results from memory loss. Choose one of them and make life better for your loved one.

The author Seth Dudlley is an expert with a senior assisted living facility for years. He takes care of senior living financial planning at the assisted living facility.