When to Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care

Deciding when to move your loved one from assisted living to memory care is a deeply personal and often complex decision, as you have a lot of factors to consider. 

Through this guide, we’ll discuss about the right time to move from assisted living to memory care, recognizing signs, making decisions, and ensuring the well-being of someone special in your life.

Moving from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Spotting the Signs

So, imagine you’re noticing something’s up with your loved one - maybe it’s Grandma or Uncle Joe. What should you look out for? There are several red flags that might indicate it’s time to move to a place with specialized care. These include:

Wandering: Ever heard stories about someone getting lost in their own neighborhood? It’s concerning and a big indicator.

Aggression and Mood Swings: If the once-calm person changes drastically, it’s worth taking note.

Forgetfulness: Missing appointments or forgetting significant dates more than usual can be a hint.

Social Withdrawal: If they’re shying away from interactions they used to enjoy, it might be a sign that they need to move from assisted living to memory care.

Changes in Hygiene and Eating Habits: Neglecting personal care or eating irregularly can be symptoms of cognitive decline.

These signs often stem from safety concerns - not just for the person with dementia but for those around them too. And suppose things like getting lost frequently or unsafe behaviors in their current community start popping up. In that case, these are clear signals it might be time for a more secure environment.

Recognizing the Early Signals of Memory Care Needs

It’s crucial to catch the early signs of the need for memory care. The earlier a move to a memory care facility is made, the easier it will be to adapt to the environment, which can greatly benefit the residents’ daily living.

However, sometimes it can be tricky to detect the subtle behaviors that indicate the person might need a memory care facility. Maybe they start needing reminders more often, or perhaps they seem unsure during regular activities like meals or gatherings. These are some of the often-overlooked cues that can be crucial in deciding the next steps.

Deciding Who Makes the Call for a Transition

When you feel it might be time to move your loved one from assisted living to memory care, who actually decides? Well, it’s a team effort that involves community staff, doctors, and often, the senior’s legal decision maker. Before making this significant change, the community might try other supportive measures, but documentation usually requires a medical professional’s sign-off, especially to move someone into a more restricted environment.

Questions to Ask Before Moving from Assisted Living to Memory Care

When you’re discussing a potential move from assisted living facilities to memory care with facility staff, here are some must-ask questions to throw into the conversation:

What signs would mean a need for memory care instead of assisted living?

What steps are involved in the transition?

Can you explain the costs associated with this move?

How will changes in my loved one’s care be communicated to us?

Understanding these elements can help ease the uncertainty around such a big decision.

Moving from Assisted Living to Memory Care: What to Expect

If you decide to move forward, here’s how things might typically unfold:

Step 1: You’ll start with a residency agreement when moving into an assisted living community.

Step 2: Expect a 30-day assessment to monitor your loved one’s habits and needs.

Step 3: Weekly care plan meetings continue to check on the resident’s needs and adjustments to their care.

Sometimes, these assessments lead to a new realization that memory care might be the optimal choice going forward. This decision can be swift if urgent safety concerns arise.

Benefits of a Memory Care Facilities

Moving to memory care facilities isn’t just about managing risks; it’s also about enhancing quality of life. When you choose premium memory care facilities like Courtyard Luxury Senior Living, you will get:

Specialized Care and Training: Staff are trained specifically to interact and care for people with dementia.

Safe and Stimulating Environment: From color-coded walls to activities designed to reduce stress and enhance cognitive function.

Customized Support: Higher staff-to-resident ratios mean more personalized care.

How to Choose the Right Memory Care Facilities? 

When you’re looking for the best memory care facilities for your loved ones, consider the following:

Activities and Safety Features: Are they suitable and do they meet the needs of someone with cognitive decline?

Staff Experience: Is the staff well-trained in dementia care?

Support for Families: Does the facility offer education sessions or support groups?

Wrap Up

Decisions about moving your loved one from assisted living to memory care are not always easy, but they’re crucial!! It’s an important decision for our loved ones to ensure their safety and proper care and maintain as much independence as possible. 

Check out Courtyard Luxury Senior Living – here, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive, soothing environment that feels like home.