When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care

Assisted living communities provide a supportive and social environment where seniors can enjoy living in a safe space. They are a great resource for aging adults, but as time passes, you may start to notice changes in your loved ones’ health, signaling that they need a different living situation. When your loved ones’ declining cognitive function starts affecting their daily routines and safety, it may be time to decide when to move from assisted living to memory care. This move ensures they receive the specialized memory care they need and deserve. Explore the key indicators that signal it may be the right time for memory care for your loved one.

The Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care

Assisted living is a general type of care that supports seniors who need help with daily tasks but do not require intensive medical care. Residents at assisted living communities receive help with bathing, getting dressed, and taking their prescribed medications. They also enjoy planned social activities, shared meal times, and a supervised yet independent lifestyle. 

Memory care offers specialized support for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any other forms of cognitive decline. The staff at these communities is highly trained to provide structured routines, thorough safety measures, and personalized support to enhance your loved ones’ quality of life in a secure environment. Deciding when to move to memory care is a compassionate choice that sets your loved one up for success in their new community. 

Key Signs When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care

Understanding when to move from assisted living to memory care is vital for guaranteeing the health and safety of your loved one with dementia. As memory loss progresses, assisted living may no longer provide an adequate level of care to fit your loved one’s specific needs. Here are the most important signs that indicate it’s the right time for memory care. 

Declining Ability to Manage Daily Tasks

Many seniors with dementia will begin to struggle with daily tasks that affect their health and personal hygiene. Examples of this include not bathing, forgetting to brush their teeth, or not changing their clothes. These behaviors indicate your loved one needs more help. Memory care staff are expertly trained to provide your loved one with the compassionate assistance they need, ensuring that residents maintain proper hygiene for their utmost comfort. 

Increased Memory Loss

Frequently forgetting familiar names, important appointments or recent conversations can be a clear sign of dementia progressing. While occasional memory lapses are normal among seniors, regular displays may indicate when to move from assisted living to memory care. Specialized medical attention in a memory care setting can help slow down the progression of dementia while encouraging your loved one to have a more fulfilling daily routine. 

Social Isolation

Many seniors with dementia will begin to avoid social situations and start to isolate themselves from friends and family members. This is a sign of when to move from assisted living to memory care. Placing your loved one in a memory care neighborhood gives them access to specialized programs that help keep them engaged. Encouraging regular social interaction with their peers can help reduce negative feelings of isolation in those with dementia. 

Change in Eating Habits

As dementia progresses it can affect your loved ones’ ability to keep themselves fed and hydrated. Skipping meals and forgetting to drink water can lead to dangerous symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dehydration, and malnourishment. Another factor that may contribute to loss of appetite is that seniors can develop a decreased sense of smell or taste, making food less appetizing to them. Issues with food signal it may be the right time for memory care. This change will provide your loved one with a regular, structured meal time where they can enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal with the help of an experienced care partner.

Aggression

Suppose your loved one exhibits aggressive or dangerous behavior toward themselves or other residents in the assisted living community. If this occurs regularly, it may answer the question of when to move from assisted living to memory care. This change in behavior is a sign that your loved one needs a more structured environment tailored to fit their specific needs. Care partners at memory care communities are highly trained to understand that behavioral expressions are a way of communication for seniors with dementia. Memory care communities also implement extra security measures to provide a safe environment for all residents.

Safety Concerns 

If you are wondering when to move from assisted living to memory care, safety concerns are an important indicator. Seniors with dementia often forget to turn off appliances, leave doors open, or experience frequent falls that can make assisted living no longer safe for them. Walking and getting lost is also common among those with advanced dementia, which is a significant safety risk, especially if they leave the assisted living community unnoticed. Memory care communities offer increased security measures with controlled access points and monitored areas to ensure the safety of residents at all times. 

The Role of Memory Care in Enhancing Quality of Life

Making the move at the right time for memory care ensures the best possible quality of life for your loved one. Key benefits of a memory care community include:

• person-centered care that focuses on individual preferences;
• a structured environment that fosters routine and a sense of security;
• a secure community that promotes safety and peace of mind;
• memory support programs that enhance cognitive well-being and may slow cognitive decline;
• therapeutic and exciting memory care activities tailored to the abilities and interests of residents;
• personalized meal plans that provide essential nutrients; 
• highly trained staff on hand to provide 24-hour medical support. 

Finding Support and Gaining Peace of Mind

Deciding when to move from assisted living to memory care is not easy, but recognizing the signs and planning ahead can make the transition smoother and less stressful for your loved one. With the right approach, memory care provides comfort, security, and support for both residents and their families. Knowing when to move from assisted living to memory care guarantees that your loved one receives the best possible care no matter what stage of memory loss they are in.

If you are considering when to move to memory care for a loved one, the caring professionals at Wilshire Senior Living are here to help. We offer both assisted living and memory care options, allowing us to care for all residents. Schedule a personal tour today to learn more about how Wilshire Senior Living can make a positive impact on your loved one’s journey.