Making care decisions for a loved one can be challenging. Choosing the right level of care may require you to decide when to move a loved one from assisted living to memory care.
If your loved one is currently in assisted living but showing signs of cognitive impairment, or if you have increasing safety concerns, it may be the right time to transition to memory care.
The Difference Between Assisted Living & Memory Care?
Assisted living caters to older adults who need help with daily activities like meals, medications, bathing, dressing, and mobility. Residents maintain a level of independence, choosing how they spend their days while receiving tailored support where they need it most.
Memory care, on the other hand, is a specialized type of senior care designed specifically for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other types of cognitive impairments. Memory care communities provide structured routines, cognitive enrichment activities, and an environment tailored for safety and comfort.
Both options aim to support residents, but memory care offers the specialized attention necessary for those with progressive memory-related conditions while still meeting their needs with dignity and respect.
Signs It’s Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care
Recognizing when to move your loved one to memory care is difficult, but delaying the transition may lead to unnecessary stress—for both your loved one and your family. Watch for these signs that indicate specialized care.
Increasing Safety Concerns
Does your loved one wander or become disoriented? Unsafe behaviors such as getting lost can signal that memory care may be a safer environment.
Changes in Medical Needs
Even with medication management in assisted living, your loved one may refuse to take medication. Alternatively, the onset of new health challenges related to cognitive decline may make care in an assisted living community difficult. In either case, memory care may be the better solution.
Trained memory care staff can handle the unique medical needs of individuals with cognitive decline.
Social Isolation
If your loved one is increasingly isolated or withdrawing from communal activities, this may be the consequence of progressing cognitive impairment. Your loved one may benefit from the tailored nature of memory care, which provides programs that encourage mental and social stimulation for individuals living with dementia.
Benefits of Memory Care
Transitioning to memory care can offer significant benefits for loved ones.
Tailored Activities & Programs
Memory care communities offer engaging and enriching programs designed to support residents mentally, physically, and socially. These programs improve quality of life and make sure your loved one experiences joy, purpose, and meaningful moments.
Professional Expertise
Caregivers in memory care communities undergo specialized training to support people with memory-related conditions. From understanding behavior changes to using communication techniques, their expertise in offering personalized care programs helps residents feel safe and valued.
Enhanced Safety Features
Memory care communities have 24-hour security and staffing, secure layouts to prevent wandering and confusion, and spaces designed to reduce confusion while giving families peace of mind.
Empathy-Led Support
Memory care teams truly have a heart for older adults. Beyond offering physical support, they foster a family-like environment with relationship-focused care, celebrating your loved one’s life and individuality.
Overcoming Common Fears About Transitioning
It’s natural to have concerns about moving your loved one to memory care. Change can be difficult—not just for your loved one, but for you as well. Here are some common fears and how to address them:
- Fear of the unknown: Visiting memory care ahead of time can ease these anxieties.
- Feeling of guilt: Choosing memory care doesn’t mean you’re giving anything up—it means you’re providing the level of support and care a loved one needs.
- Fear of losing connection: Memory care doesn’t replace your role—it complements it. Staying involved by visiting frequently and participating in activities will help maintain close bonds.
Tips to Help Prepare for the Move
Making the transition to memory care doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are some practical tips for a smooth move:
- Speak with your support network: Instead of discussing the move with your loved one, talk with family members, caregivers, and staff to ensure everyone is on the same page and prepared for the transition.
- Personalize their space: Bring familiar items like family photos, a favorite blanket, or personal belongings to help your loved one feel more at ease in their new environment.
- Stay connected with staff: After the move, keep in regular contact with the care team to gauge your loved one’s adjustment. Monitor their progress and determine the best time for in-person visits so that you don’t unintentionally disrupt their transition.
Personalized Memory Support
At Parsons House Preston Hollow, we offer memory care based on your loved one’s changing needs. This includes services such as move-in assistance, weekly housekeeping, restaurant-style dining, and daily excursions and activities to help your loved one enjoy a fulfilling life. Contact us today for guidance or to learn more about our community and memory care program.