At Bayshire Yorba Linda, we understand how concerning it can be for a family to see their loved one with early signs of memory loss. They might start encountering safety hazards or begin avoiding personal hygiene. Deciding to move them to memory care for Alzheimer’s patients isn’t just about physical changes but it can also trigger significant emotional reactions. You have to prepare yourself emotionally and mentally for the move.

But how do you know that they are really in need of memory care? The answer lies in noticing Alzheimer’s symptoms that signal that professional care has become necessary. Here’s a guide covering the signs you should look for to know when it has become essential for your loved one to transition to memory care.

Safety And Household Management

Among the signs that your loved one has begun to need more assistance than can be provided at home are safety and household management issues. Here’s what you need to know concerning this aspect of their lifestyle.

Financial And Legal Issues

As the condition progresses, the individual may begin engaging in unusual banking activities, such as making large withdrawals, failing to pay bills despite having sufficient financial means, or making sudden changes to wills or financial documents.

Home Safety

Falls and accidents due to clutter, unkempt rugs, leaving stoves or appliances on, or a general inability to recognize household emergencies like a smoke detector going off are all signals that home safety is being compromised, which is why your loved one may need to move to memory care.

Wandering

Even in familiar places, your loved one may begin showing signs of restlessness, pacing, or confusion. They may even say phrases like “I need to go home” even though they are already at home.

Poor Judgment

From financial mismanagement to neglecting personal safety and engaging in unsafe behaviors, these are all signs of poor judgment in individuals with memory issues. Other probable issues include dangerous driving or inviting strangers into their home.

Daily Living And Personal Care

Personal care is vital for everyone, not just seniors. As mental issues progress, seniors might start neglecting personal care activities like bathing, medication management, dressing, and more. In the absence of support for these activities, they may face risks of new health conditions. Notice if any of the following signs are present:

Difficulty With Daily Tasks

Due to changes at both cognitive and physical levels, the individual may begin to need professional help, such as memory care. Probable physical limitations include difficulty walking, bathing, and dressing, while cognitive changes such as forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty with familiar tasks may occur.

Neglecting Health

Medication management, eating nutritious food, and doing regular exercise are necessary for an individual with memory impairment to live adequately. However, due to the disease’s progression, your loved one may forget to take medications correctly, eat on time, and attend medical appointments.

Poor Hygiene

Signs of poor hygiene in an elderly individual include wearing soiled or stained clothing, neglecting dental care, or having dirty or unkempt hair. Other than that, they may forget to do the dishes and laundry.

Behavioral And Cognitive Changes

Showing signs of confusion, personality shifts, mood swings, social withdrawal, and facing safety concerns like wandering, getting lost, or experiencing frequent accidents are all signs of needing a change. Oftentimes, these changes become so severe that they interfere with an individual’s daily life and safety. Look for signs of:

Increased Confusion

Often marked by sundowning, i.e., your loved one may experience increased confusion, agitation, and other behavioral changes in the late afternoon or evening. Additionally, they may become disoriented and experience speech and focus issues.

Personality Changes

While general feelings of irritability, anxiety, and apathy are common in older people, experiencing them constantly requires attention. At times, they may also begin showing signs of aggression, suspicion, impulsivity, and a loss of social inhibitions.

Social Withdrawal

The effects of memory issues are so severe that they can turn an individual who is an extrovert into someone who barely socializes. Over time, they may lose interest in hobbies, social events, and interactions with friends and family.

Caregiver Well-Being

Caring for a loved one with memory issues can become challenging for the family caregivers. Despite putting in 100% effort, they may not achieve a noticeable improvement in their loved one’s condition. The constant demands of caregiving can make it challenging to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Here’s what you need to look for in your loved one to decide that it’s time for them to be moved to a skilled care setting.

Caregiver Stress

As a caregiver, if you are finding it challenging to manage both your caregiving responsibilities and personal commitments, know that this will impact your well-being. Stress and burnout can take a toll on your health, which is why it’s essential to consider transitioning your loved one to a memory care community at the right time.

Inability To Manage

If your loved one’s needs are exceeding your physical or emotional capacity, it’s time to explore a professional memory care setting.

Bayshire Yorba Linda—Exceptional Memory Care For Alzheimer’s Patients

At Bayshire Yorba Linda, we recognize the role that memory care plays in the lives of those dealing with memory loss. Both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease bring significant challenges for the family. Recognizing the signs mentioned above helps ensure your loved one receives timely, professional care before symptoms worsen. The key to ensuring the individual receives proper, timely care is recognizing the signs and referring them to a memory care community for Alzheimer’s patients.

It’s essential to choose the right memory care community to ensure your loved one receives the care and support they need. At Bayshire Yorba Linda, we take a person-centered approach to care, ensuring every resident has access to the treatments and attention they need to live a fulfilling, comfortable life. Contact us today to schedule a tour.