Deciding that your loved one may need to move to a Memory Home will likely be among one of the most difficult decisions you ever make. Many people feel guilt that they are unable to be the caregiver for their parent that their parent was for them. If your loved one is suffering from a disease that compromises their memory and ability to function in day to day life, you should be on the look-out for these signs that it may be time for a memory home.

Your loved one’s safety is in question

If your loved one’s dementia has reached a stage where it becomes a question of “when” they will injure themselves or others rather than “if”, you may need to seriously consider a memory home. Common sources of injury for those afflicted by dementia may include:

  • Smoking
  • Stove tops
  • Falls

If you are finding yourself constantly chasing after your loved one at an unsustainable rate, it may be time to consider memory care. If you haven’t taken the time to “memory-proof” your home, there are some recommended steps you can take to make your home more accessible for your loved one and reduce some of your stress.

Resources for Improving Your Home

Caregiver Exhaustion

A few months ago, we posted a blog about avoiding caregiver exhaustion. Some people may have seemingly endless amounts of patience, and others may not. And that’s okay! Much like putting on your oxygen mask on an airplane, you can’t take care of someone else without first taking care of yourself. If you find yourself feeling angry and frustrated more than you feel loving and supportive, you may need to consider a memory care home.

Your loved one’s hygiene is suffering

Hygiene is one of those issues that is uncomfortable to talk about, but is incredibly important. Keeping your loved one clean gets even more difficult if bath time is a struggle. Alzheimer’s blog.com recommends

“A bath or shower should be quick and efficient. Building positive associations (like an after-bath ice-cream treat) can help. Many caregivers use toileting as a starting point, by removing the PWD’s clothing while they are on the toilet each day.”

If you cannot maintain a satisfactory level of hygiene, including brushing teeth, you may want to get help.

If you would like some tips on how to make bath time less of a chore, we’ve compiled some great resources:

Wandering

One of the greatest dangers to a patient with dementia is wandering. According to alz.org, statistics show that

“More than 60 percent of those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia will wander, and if a person is not found within 24 hours, up to half of individuals who wander will suffer serious injury or death.”

If your loved one wants to go home while already at home, has a hard time finding usual locations such as their bathroom or bedroom, or tries to fulfill former obligations such as going to work, there is a high likelihood your loved one will wander.

If you do not have the time, patience or attention span to always be on the lookout for wandering, your best option may be a memory home where staff are trained to make sure your loved one is exactly where they should be.

The Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals and families coping with wandering to enroll in MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return®, a nationwide identification program designed to assist in the return of those who wander and become lost.

Let professional dementia/Alzheimer’s caregivers assist

Sometimes caring for a loved one with dementia is too much for any single person to handle, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. At Landmark Memory Care, staff that are specially trained in Alzheimer’s care are on site 24/7 and are paired with your loved one.This continuity of care provides an opportunity for relationships to develop and enhances the ability to recognize any changes that may occur.

Our Care Partners continue to encourage independence, offer a helping hand as needed and provide assistance, with compassion and respect, while maintaining your loved one’s dignity. With the help of professional dementia caregivers, you can obtain respite care for the day, or the weekend, or whatever you need. To learn more about respite care and other options for your loved one, please contact us today.