Deciding the right time to help your spouse move into memory care can be challenging. But when your spouse is affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other memory-related illnesses, it can be difficult to see them slowly lose their memory, vitality, and independence.
Sometimes, the best choice for everyone is to consider senior living and specialized memory care. Memory care communities are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals with memory challenges can thrive.
It might be time to explore memory care if safety is becoming a concern, daily routines are overwhelming, behavioral changes are noticeable, or you feel overwhelmed as a caregiver.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a complex and debilitating progressive disorder that affects cognitive function, memory, and behavior and can severely impact a person’s quality of life.
One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, although there are many forms. The common link between all types of dementia is a general cognitive decline, which can impact memory, communication, and personality.
While dementia is often linked to aging, it’s not a natural part of the aging process. Not everyone will develop dementia.
Common signs of dementia include:
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty with language and communication
- Disorientation
- Mood swings
- Changes in behavior
It’s normal for some memory lapses to occur as we age, like misplacing keys or temporarily forgetting a word. However, dementia goes beyond this occasional forgetfulness. It can be frustrating for your spouse and may lead to changes in their behavior or personality.
While these experiences can be upsetting, it’s important to remember these moments can be related to or caused by their dementia and likely don’t reflect your spouse’s feelings toward you.
How Can Memory Care Help?
You might not immediately notice a clear warning sign that your loved one needs professional memory care. Instead, it’s often a series of small moments over time that add up, and the indicators can be subtle—until they’re not.
Even though it might be difficult to admit there’s an issue, it’s important to stay alert for signs that suggest it’s time to explore memory care options.
When Safety Is a Concern
Safety is paramount when dealing with a spouse or loved one with memory challenges. As their memory declines, they may become disoriented or forgetful about their surroundings.
If your spouse frequently gets lost or wanders from home, it could be a sign they may need additional support beyond what you or other family members can provide. A memory care community provides a secure and safe environment where they can receive the care they need.
When Daily Routines Become a Challenge
Dementia can make it challenging to perform daily tasks like bathing, grooming, or taking medication. Your partner may also struggle with preparing meals or remembering what they ate.
If your spouse neglects these essential tasks, it can lead to hygiene issues, malnutrition, and medication mismanagement. Moving your spouse to a memory care community can ensure they receive assistance with these tasks in a supportive environment.
When Behavior Changes Are Noticeable
As memory loss advances, your spouse may experience behavioral changes. Agitation and confusion are common, but more subtle changes can also occur. For example, they may become suspicious of family or friends, leading to attempts to escape, hide, or refuse medications.
Those with dementia may also become more withdrawn, lose interest in socializing, or suffer sleep disturbances, which can lead to tension or a relationship breakdown.
Memory care communities offer additional support to help those affected by dementia and their families navigate these emotional challenges.
When Caregiver Burnout Is a Real Possibility
Caring for someone with memory-related illnesses can be physically and emotionally draining, often leading to caregiver burnout and illness. Constant stress, lack of sleep, and repetitive tasks can contribute to fatigue and depression.
While it’s common to feel like you must fight through these challenges, caregiver burnout is a real issue that should not be ignored. It can impair your ability to care for your loved one and yourself. If you’re feeling emotionally drained and unable to provide the care your spouse needs, it may be time to consider memory care.
Memory Care Supports a Vibrant, Fulfilling Life
Deciding to move your spouse to memory care can be a difficult decision, but recognizing when it’s time to do so can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
Generally, the earlier you make this decision, the better it will be for your spouse’s well-being. This allows for a smoother transition, avoiding any sudden surprises. Whether it’s for their safety or to maintain a sense of purpose, moving to memory care can be the right choice for everyone involved.
Somerby Mobile is a Lilac Trace Memory Care neighborhood. Our community is specifically designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for individuals with memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. At Somerby Mobile, every day is intended to be as positive and productive as possible. To help ensure that happens, every staff member on our memory care team undergoes specialized training to provide expert care and extraordinary empathy.Remember, you’re not alone. If you’re considering memory care, schedule a visit to our community today.
