When Should Someone with Dementia Move into a Senior Living Community?
13.9% of the population aged 71 or older has dementia. Although some might suffer from minor symptoms early on, there are situations where placing them in an assisted living community is the right choice.
Placing them in a senior living community is something your heart might be against. You may have made a promise to yourself to take care of them. But when the caregiver can no longer manage, seeking placement is taking care of them.
Here’s how you know it’s time to make this difficult decision.
Wandering Issues
Seniors who have dementia can wander confused and disorientated. 6 in 10 people do it at least once, and for many, it’s frequent. This is extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.
In this situation, where their ability to recognize familiar places and people is already compromised, they are likely to get hurt. Memory care facilities are secure and equipped to handle it if your loved one wanders.
Mobility Issues
In the later stages of dementia, patients have limited mobility. This can become a serious hazard for both the caregiver and the patients. Activities of daily living (ADs) become increasingly difficult.
They might need full-time assistance for dressing, bathing, etc. A facility is better equipped to handle it than a sole caregiver.
Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is no joke. It’s very real and emotionally draining. Many caregivers suffer from poor health conditions because their either exhausted or too involved.
Suffering while trying to take care of a loved one is not sustainable. Assisted living facilities become a partner in care-giving. You’ll still be involved in all the important decisions just without the risk to your health.
Isolating Themselves
Depression is common among those who have dementia. This reduces their quality of life and leads to isolating themselves. Getting them out can be difficult for caregivers, which only worsens their depression.
Memory care facilities often keep them active and engage them in different ways. They are purposeful and fun, which mitigates loneliness.
Living too Far Away
Care-giving from afar is difficult and likely to fail. Patients with progressive illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia need a lot of care and assistance. It can be a struggle to provide the needed care from a long distance.
In an assisted living facility, nurses and aides are around all the time. They can stay on top of the care and make sure your loved one’s needs are all met, and they’re safe.
Moving to Senior Living Community? Let Us Help!
If you’re looking for independent living communities Oklahoma, assisted living, memory care, or a nursing facility, let Next Level Senior Advisors help. We offer resources to families and senior citizens looking at options for senior living.
Next Level Senior Advisors help your family pick the best memory care facilities Oklahoma that meet all your needs. Whether it’s housing or service, we help families save their time and simplify the search process.
Contact us for a free consultation today!
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