When Is the Right Time to Consider Memory Care?

Deciding when to move a loved one to Memory Care can be difficult. Cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, affect everyone differently. However, certain cognitive and behavioral signs may indicate your relative needs a helping hand to maintain a fulfilling life. 

At Fleet Landing, our Memory Care neighborhood, Nancy House, offers a safe, homelike environment for seniors with memory loss. Learn common signs indicating a need for Memory Care and how a supportive community can benefit your loved one. 

Who Does Memory Care Serve?

Memory Care is a specialized type of residential care that supports individuals with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. These disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including forgetfulness, disorientation, language difficulties, and trouble concentrating or making decisions. 

Early symptoms are often mild and gradually progress over time. In early stages of memory loss, your loved one may be fine living alone and completing daily tasks, such as cleaning, bathing, and preparing meals. However, their ability to care for themselves may decline in moderate to late stages of the disorder, making living without supervision challenging or even dangerous. 

What Do Memory Care Communities Offer Residents?

Memory Care communities offer a safe, structured environment tailored to the unique needs of seniors with memory loss. They employ staff specially trained in dementia care to help Residents build routines, improve confidence, and connect with peers. These combined efforts can reduce troublesome symptoms or behaviors, boosting mood and well-being. 

Additionally, these communities are equipped with safety features, such as secured doors and easy-to-navigate layouts with visual directional cues. Since seniors with cognitive disorders often wander, they risk getting lost or injured. The added security alleviates this concern. 

Many Memory Care communities also offer a range of specialized services and amenities, helping Residents maintain cognitive functions and quality of life. These features vary depending on the community but commonly include:

• Memory-enhancing activities, such as crafts, puzzles, and reminiscence or music therapies
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Secured outdoor areas
• Medication management
• Daily meals and nutritional support
• Shared or private accommodations
• Secured social lounges or game rooms

When Is the Right Time to Consider Memory Care?

Determining the right time to consider Memory Care depends on your relative's unique needs and stage of memory loss. Typically, individuals experiencing significant behavioral or personality changes, difficulty managing daily tasks, or safety concerns due to cognitive decline benefit from Memory Care. Explore the following key indicators to make an informed decision. 

Increased Confusion

Struggling to remember names, recent events, or important dates may indicate a decline in your loved one's cognitive health. They may become lost or disoriented in familiar places and forget the time or date. This confusion can also extend to daily tasks. Your relative may fail to pay bills, cook meals, or perform personal hygiene tasks without reminders or support from others.

Mood Changes

Uncharacteristic mood swings can accompany cognitive decline, shifting between anger, frustration, sadness, and apathy with little provocation. They may become increasingly agitated or anxious, especially in unfamiliar situations or when their routine is disrupted. Your loved one may start avoiding social situations or losing interest in previously enjoyable activities. 

Safety Concerns

Behaviors such as wandering, frequent falls, and misusing appliances become increasingly concerning in later stages of cognitive disorders. Your relative may leave home and forget how to return, increasing the risk of getting lost or injured. They also may fail to recognize unsafe situations or individuals, risking exposure to fraud, exploitation, or home accidents, such as leaving the stove on. 

Communication Challenges

Due to symptoms such as confusion and forgetfulness, your loved one may struggle to find the right words to make their needs and preferences understood. They may fail to follow conversations or understand instructions, leading to repeating questions and statements or using nonsensical language. This miscommunication can make identifying what your relative needs challenging, causing conflict and frustration within the relationship. 

How Fleet Landing Can Help

Helping your family member with memory loss access a safe, supportive environment can minimize safety and health concerns, improving quality of life. Residents living at our Comfort Matters™ accredited Nancy House at Fleet Landing benefit from a range of specialized services and amenities, including:

• Supportive staff: Staff receive specialized training in dementia care and are available 24/7 to respond to Resident requests and emergencies, enhancing safety and quality of care. 
• Personalized care: Residents receive individualized care plans documenting their stage of memory loss, needed services, and personal preferences. These plans enable staff to tailor their care methods and communication techniques to each Resident. 
• Enhanced safety and security. Nancy House offers an easy-to-navigate, homelike environment, with secured social areas and an emergency call system. These features help prevent wandering and confusion, enhancing Resident safety and well-being. 
• Cognitive and social stimulation: Through our specialized life enrichment program, WELLInspired™, we connect Residents with stimulating activities based on their interests, skills, and cognitive abilities. Activities range from gardening and crafts to exercise programs and music therapy, helping slow cognitive decline. 
• Health and nutrition support: Maintaining physical health is crucial in reducing stress and cognitive decline for seniors with memory loss. Residents living at Nancy House have access to nutritious chef-prepared meals, outpatient therapy services, and an on-site clinic with a trained medical director. 

Find the quality Memory Care your loved one needs. Contact Fleet Landing at 904.748.2252 to schedule an in-person tour and learn more about our Atlantic Beach community in Jacksonville.