Memory care is a form of senior care that provides specialized support for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-related conditions by providing a safe and caring environment surrounded by meaningful routines. But can residents leave memory care?
While memory care provides a wide ranges of services that cater to the needs of people experiencing cognitive decline, sometimes residents may choose to leave. While the nature of dementia means that people seldom leave memory care due to improvements in their condition, personal, family, and medical concerns may sometimes prompt residents to leave. However, it’s important to note that, if a resident refuses to stay in memory care, they may nonetheless require 24-hour care and support.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a type of long-term care for individuals with memory- or cognition-related conditions. It provides specialized support and services to help residents manage their daily lives, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Memory care has trained staff experienced in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of cognitive decline while providing peace of mind for their families. These communities offer:
- A safe and secure environment
- Spaces designed to reduce confusion
- Personalized and relationship-focused care plans
- 24 hour security & staffing
- Engaging and enriching programs
Signs a loved one needs memory care include:
- Difficulty with daily tasks and activities: Struggling to perform basic tasks such as dressing, bathing, or eating shows that your loved one needs extra support.
- Changes in behavior: If your loved one is becoming increasingly agitated, aggressive, or confused, it may be due to the progression of a memory-related condition.
- Wandering or getting lost: People with dementia often wander and get lost even in familiar places. This can put them in danger, and it’s a clear sign that they need more specialized care.
- Decline in personal hygiene: A lack of attention to personal hygiene can also indicate the need for memory care.
Can Residents Leave Memory Care?
Because dementia is a progressive condition—meaning that it gets worse overtime—people living with it tend to experience worse symptoms over time. This means that residents of a memory care community seldom leave because they’ve gotten better.
However, there are other reasons why a patient might leave memory care. These reasons depend on personal, medical, and family factors. Here are examples of why a memory care resident may choose to leave:
Transition to Other Types of Care
Sometimes, a resident’s needs evolve beyond the services memory care provides. This might mean transitioning to hospice or a care model that aligns better with their current situation. For instance, if a resident becomes less mobile or requires 24/7 medical care outside the scope of memory care, families may opt for skilled nursing care.
Family Decision to Take Over Care
Family members sometimes decide to care for their loved ones at home. This significant decision often arises from a desire for more involvement in day-to-day caregiving or logistical changes, like relocating closer to family members.
Behavioral or Compatibility Issues
While uncommon, there are instances where behaviors associated with dementia could make memory care challenging—for both the resident and others. For example, loved ones may refuse care or experience extreme restlessness or severe aggression that may require alternative care solutions.
Other Reasons
Other potential reasons for leaving memory care include financial considerations, family dynamics, or the preferences of a resident and/or their loved ones.
The Process of Leaving Memory Care
Leaving a memory care community is more than just packing up belongings—it’s a transition that requires coordination, communication, and planning.
Open Communication with the Community
If you’re considering moving your loved one out of memory care, the first step is to engage with their care team. Discuss the matter with memory care staff, care managers, and healthcare professionals. Their insight can help you evaluate if a departure is truly in your loved one’s best interest.
Determine the Next Steps
You’ll need a clear plan for what comes next. Will your loved one move into a new type of care? Will they be cared for at home? Consider factors such as medical services, mobility assistance, medication management, and the emotional impact of a new environment. Work closely with healthcare providers to prepare for any changes they may need.
Follow Discharge Protocols
Memory care communities generally have protocols to guide families through the transition. This step often includes paperwork, medical clearance, and a thorough transfer of records to the next caregiver or community for continuity of care.
Finding Strength in Community
We understand the weight family caregivers carry, especially when it comes to major decisions like memory care. Please know that you’re not alone in this.
With over four decades of experience serving seniors, Parsons House Preston Hollow’s mission is to walk this path with you and your family. Together, we can make sure that your loved one thrives with the care, attention, and support they deserve.
Contact us today for more information or guidance about memory care—whether finding it or transitioning from it.