How to Know When It’s Time to Consider Memory Care (Promoted)

The following post is written and sponsored by Erickson Living

As a caregiver, you’re navigating difficult decisions on a daily basis as your loved one faces changes in health and capability. Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be particularly draining, physically and emotionally.

If you’re struggling to meet your family member’s evolving needs, ask yourself these three questions to help determine if it’s time to consider a memory care facility.

Have your loved one’s health needs advanced beyond your capabilities?

Your family member’s medical care may become increasingly complex, making it difficult for you to keep up with their needs. Physical and mental ailments related to advancing stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s — including sleep disturbances, depression, and incontinence — complicate the already delicate care routines you’ve established.

Your loved one may exhibit unusual and inappropriate behaviors, including verbal and physical aggression. Often, the anger can be inadvertently directed toward the caregiver, creating frustration and resentment. Are these physical and emotional challenges beyond your abilities?

Is your loved one safe in their current home environment?

There is a significant chance that your family member will wander away from your home, even in the time it takes you to make a trip to the restroom. Ask yourself if your home is secure enough to prevent this from happening, as it may become more frequent.

You may also be concerned that your loved one will expose themselves to danger attempting to use household appliances, or they may simply have difficulty getting around the house due to troubles with balance or reliance on a walker or wheelchair. Are you prepared for emergencies, including fires and injuries?

Is your health at risk?

Caregivers experience high levels of stress on a daily basis. Be honest with yourself–have you noticed any decline in your physical health while caring for your loved one? Are you more anxious, exhausted, or irritable than normal? Do you have trouble concentrating?

Because your family member relies on you for care, your quality of life directly affects theirs. If you can’t maintain your own good health, you may be doing them a disservice.

A continuing care retirement community like Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, Virginia, can provide a solution to these and other concerns. Ashby Ponds offers independent living residences along with higher levels of care on the same campus.

With the assistance of a dedicated staff, your family member’s day-to-day life will be safer, simpler, and more fulfilled. The physicians and senior health specialists at Ashby Ponds create an individual care plan for every resident, which can greatly benefit their quality of life.

Most importantly, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that your loved one is receiving the personalized health care of the highest quality.

Call 1-888-820-9623 today to schedule a personal tour of Ashby Ponds and learn more about memory care. You can also visit EricksonLiving.com to request a free brochure.