For seniors who may be struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory loss with aging, the decision to move into a memory care facility can be a difficult one for both those affected and their caregivers. Many seniors understandably don’t want to leave their previous home, but there comes a point where caregivers have to recognize the risks they may pose to themselves and others and continue this transition.

At Cozy Retire, our caring assisted living services include a full range of memory care elements for those of our guests who require them. Let’s go over some of the signs that the time has come to consider a move into a memory care facility, plus some steps to take to ensure you find a high-quality facility that’s right for your loved one.

Signs of Necessary Memory Care

While the individual circumstances in a senior’s life will be the final determinants of whether they move to a memory care facility, there are several broad themes that signal they might no longer be safe living on their own or outside a care location. These include:

• Growing trouble with finances and paying basic bills, including forgetting certain bills altogether.
• Paranoia, hallucinations or other mental acuity issues.
• Neglect of personal care and hygiene areas.
• Trouble with prolonged conversations, losing the thread, etc.
• Forgetting about basic home tasks, including major risk areas like leaving stoves or ovens running for hours at a time.
• Getting lost easily, especially in familiar locations.

In some cases, moving a senior loved one with some of these symptoms into a caregiver’s home is an appropriate move – at least temporarily. But as Alzheimer’s or other diseases progress, the care provided by a dedicated facility tends to become necessary.

Assessing Memory Care Programs

At Cozy Retire, we welcome and encourage comparisons of our memory care and assisted living programs to others in the area. Our primary goal is the health and comfort of you and your loved ones, and we are confident our high-quality services will stack up with anyone. Here are some of the areas you should be prioritizing when searching for the best possible memory care program:

• Secure environment: For seniors who are at risk based on their memory issues, a simple and secure environment where they can be easily accounted for is vital.
• Staff: Memory care requires specific training and expertise, and you should always ensure staff at any facility have this training.
• Language: One thing to look for when touring a given facility is the kind of language staff use with seniors. You want to hear light, understanding terms and patient conversations, plus the use of phrases like “moved into” rather than “placed in” to help seniors feel independent.
• Activities: Also inquire about daily activities and routine for memory care patients, including everything from scheduled events to meals and many others.
• Transportation: Is supervised transportation offered to bring residents to and from off-site medical appointments or other travel needs?

For more on making the move to a memory care facility, or to learn about any of our assisted living services, speak to the staff at Cozy Retire today.