The suggestion is that people exhibiting cognitive behavior affecting their daily lifestyle activities benefit from the memory care unit of a nursing home facility. These areas are where staff is trained explicitly to help individuals struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms requiring specific assistance. 

Find out how to assist your loved one in adjusting to dementia care at https://www.verywellhealth.com/help-a-loved-one-with-dementia-adjust-to-a-nursing-home-97697.

Admission to memory care is usually reserved for those advanced between the mid and later stages of the condition. At this point, it becomes challenging for the family as the family member will often need care around the clock. 

For loved ones who can’t determine whether the time has come to make a move to a nursing home, there are a few questions to consider. Let’s look more in-depth at dementia and the necessary care.

Why Do Dementia Patients Benefit From Nursing Homes Memory Care

When a loved one exhibits behavioral changes, episodes of confusion, and their physical health appears to be declining; family members might face challenges in providing adequate care for their loved one. 

More specialized, trained professionals in dementia care in a nursing home would benefit a loved one in a greater capacity. If you’re uncertain whether the individual has reached the point of needing memory care, a few questions can help assess the situation.

1. Is the present environment safe for your family member to continue living independently
2. Is it possible harm could come to the individual or those around them
3. How does your loved one respond to the concerns, and what are their wishes for care
4. Do other family members offer recommendations, and what do healthcare providers suggest
5. What resources are available to allow the person the capacity to (quote) “remain to age in place” (end quote)? Will it be in their best interest to move to a place where professionals can offer more specialized assistance and provide safety, security, and optimum protection?

The family member will likely not want to lose their independence or leave their home. It’s challenging as a loved one to consider moving them. It will be helpful to put yourself in their place and think about what you would want if you struggled in this way. Check out the deciding factors that a move is a right decision.

• Behavioral changes

Loved ones will start to notice dramatic changes in a family member’s behavior. For instance, a generally independent, a social person might grow isolated, become intimidated by the notion of driving, or start avoiding friends’ requests to go out.

People usually regimented about self-care with an impeccable physical appearance might suddenly disregard their regular hygiene or neglect general tasks, including bathing or brushing hair and teeth. 

The individual will often have too much pride and suffer humiliation disallowing their ability to ask for help. They will grow frustrated and anxious.

• Safety in question due to becoming disoriented and confused

Disorientation and confusion are symptoms that can result from dementia. These put safety in question; for example, when driving, an individual could forget where they are and get lost. Or worse, confuse the rules ending up in an accident.

Some people forget they need to buy food, causing them to become frail. Others neglect to get their medications; if they do, they either don’t take them or take too much. If a loved one is getting hurt or their physical health is declining, it’s vital to consider the option of a nursing home with memory care.

Final Thought

The nursing home staff specializing in dementia care assists individuals who have declined in physical health, developed behavioral changes, or are exhibiting confusion or disorientation. These things start gradually and can increase slowly over time or even progress rapidly depending on the individual and the condition.

When the symptoms grow to a point the person is at risk for their health and safety, plus their caregivers can no longer give the sort of care most beneficial for their symptoms, it’s time to consider moving the loved one into more protective care within a nursing facility. Go here for guidance on varied care options.

Doing so might be challenging and will need to be done gradually to avoid upsetting your family member with the move. While it won’t be easy for anyone involved, the dementia care and daily assistance will be exceptionally advantageous for your loved one.