Life is an incredible journey. It has its highs, lows, and moments of both triumph and defeat. Within this journey, certain milestones are simply unavoidable. One such milestone is the birthday. As one progresses through life, these birthdays add up, and the body will naturally age and slow down as it ages. Unfortunately, an increased risk of developing memory and cognitive issues comes with old age.
As one can imagine, such issues can cause an incredible amount of stress for the individual suffering from memory issues and their family members. This leaves families asking: “When is it time to put a family member in memory care?” No two people are exactly the same, so there is no definite answer to that question, but many signs and indicators can provide guidance when deciding if memory care is needed.
How to Deal With a Family Member With Dementia
The first step in caring for someone with dementia is familiarizing oneself with its causes, symptoms, and effect on the quality of life. It is important to remember that dementia is not a disease in and of itself. Instead, it is a combination of one or more conditions whose symptoms affect memory and cognition. Alzheimer’s disease, for example, is one of the most common causes of dementia. Dementia typically emerges due to Alzheimer’s disease working in tandem with other issues and ailments present in the body. Before putting a family member in memory care, seeking a professional diagnosis is essential so that an appropriate treatment plan and memory care facility can be selected. It is also crucial to keep track of the presence and progression of dementia-related symptoms. Symptoms of dementia typically fall into two categories: psychology and cognitive ability.
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Changes in personality
- Inability to distinguish appropriate behavior from inappropriate behavior
Cognitive Symptoms
- Memory loss
- Issues in communication
- Decreased hand-eye coordination
- Issues with completing complex tasks
- Issues with planning and organization
- Difficulty with reasoning and problem-solving
- Getting lost in familiar settings
There are many signs which can indicate that an individual is living with dementia, but these symptoms must be carefully examined by both family members (those who can compare past behaviors with present and emerging behaviors) and a licensed medical professional. Memory loss on its own does not guarantee that an individual has dementia.
Finding Treatment for Family Members With Dementia
This may go without saying, but learning that a family member has dementia can be incredibly stressful. The brain becomes flooded with questions and concerns surrounding treatment, quality of life, and the deterioration of familial bonds and relationships. Before putting a family member in memory care treatment, the first step should always be consulting a medical professional specializing in senior care. This consultation will document the presence and progression of symptoms in addition to highlighting the services that will be required during treatment. Once an individual’s medical needs have been considered, it’s time to examine their social needs. Socialization is paramount to improving and maintaining an individual’s quality of life. When choosing a facility or program, one must ensure their family member feels safe, happy, and at home. Consider their favorite hobbies, social activities, and solitary activities, and be sure to speak with the employees and residents of a facility before making a final decision.
Memory Care Treatment at Buckner Calder Woods
It’s never easy, that moment when roles start to reverse, and the child must begin taking care of the parent. During this transition, one of the most challenging decisions is deciding if memory care is required and finding the best care possible.
At Buckner Calder Woods, we believe that quality of life should not deteriorate due to the emergence of memory issues. As a division of Buckner Retirement Services, we offer a comprehensive care program in our state-of-the-art facilities in Beaumont, Texas. We are a faith-based, nonprofit life plan community and are open to any and all questions from potential residents. For more information on when to put a family member in memory care, complete the online form or contact us today at 409.407.7636 to schedule an appointment.