It is only natural to be concerned when a senior in your life struggles with memory disease. Witnessing cognitive decline in a loved one can be upsetting, but there are Senior Care options that can help. For many seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, a Memory Care facility can enhance their quality of life. Get to know the signs that your beloved senior may be best suited for Memory Care.
Buckner Calder Woods offers a full continuum of care in our luxury Senior Living Community. Whether the senior in your life can still enjoy the flexibility and freedom of Independent Living or is beginning to show signs of a memory disorder, we have the right level of care to meet their needs. Call us today at 409.407.7636 to learn more about our Senior Care levels and if Memory Care may be right for your loved one.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory Care is a specialized type of Senior Living designed for people with memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory Care may be provided in a stand-alone facility or as a separate section in a Senior Living Community. These facilities are staffed by trained professionals around the clock to ensure that seniors are always safe and have access to support. Some features that distinguish Memory Care facilities from other Senior Living options are:
- Increased security and monitoring to keep track of seniors’ whereabouts and prevent wandering
- Additional safety measures, such as doors that require passwords or keys to gain access
- Specially designed floor plans to minimize dead ends that may be frustrating to seniors living with memory disorders
A Memory Care facility may provide the best quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They can also give peace of mind to the families of these seniors, knowing that they will be safe and cared for at all times.
How to Know if Your Loved One Needs Memory Care
It is perfectly normal for a person’s memory to decline a bit as they age, so this is not a definite sign that your loved one needs Memory Care. If you are wondering how to know if someone in your life requires Memory Care, consider the following signs:
Frequent Forgetfulness
Forgetting things on occasion is normal, but if a senior becomes increasingly forgetful, you may want to have them evaluated for a memory disorder. A medical professional can determine if they have Alzheimer’s or dementia and if Memory Care would be beneficial.
A Decline in Personal Hygiene
A person living with a memory disorder may forget to bathe or do their laundry. You might notice that they appear unkempt, or their clothes are rumpled or stained.
Inability to Manage Finances
Keeping on top of your bills can be challenging even for younger adults, but it can be a sign of cognitive decline in a senior. They may struggle to remember when bills are due and have difficulty with the payment process.
Sudden Weight Loss
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may forget to eat or how to prepare meals. They may also opt for unhealthy processed foods if they forget how to cook.
Uncharacteristic Messiness
Along with forgetfulness about paying the bills, bathing, and eating, a person with a memory disorder may also struggle to stay on top of household chores. You may notice garbage, dishes, and laundry piling up.
If you notice the above signs in a senior you love, you may be concerned about their well-being. Some family members take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one with a memory disorder, but this can become overwhelming at a certain point. As Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, your loved one will need to be monitored 24/7 to ensure their health and safety. A Memory Care facility has the staff, expertise, and customized space to provide the ideal care for people living with memory disorders.
Learn More at Buckner Calder Woods
When you need Memory Care for a parent or other beloved senior, you want a facility you can trust. Buckner Calder Woods has an excellent reputation for providing all levels of Senior Living in a beautifully landscaped, upscale community. Reach out to us at 409.407.7636 to learn more about our Memory Care facility and schedule a tour.