Whether you’re a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, or if you have a home health nurse or aide come in to your home and help take care of your loved one, there may come a time when it’s in everyone’s best interest to turn to a memory care residence.

But when is the right time?

The answer is: there is no right time. It’s a very personal decision. But there are signs to look for that can indicate that moving your loved one to a safe, secure memory care residence that offers 24-hour care is the best decision for all of you.

Signs in your loved one:

• Repeated falls
• Missed medication
• Inconsistent hygiene
• Wandering that puts his or her safety at risk
• Increased agitation
• Physical aggression towards you or others

You may be surprised to learn that there are signs to look for in yourself, too. As a caregiver, you’re under a great deal of stress. If you begin to experience any of the following signs, it is in the best interest of your health and well-being to consider a memory care residence:

• Feeling extremely stressed, anxious, depressed, easily angered, or irritable most of the time
• Feeling exhausted or having trouble sleeping
• Your health deteriorates
• Others comment about you seeming depressed or exhausted
• You withdraw socially
• You are unable to concentrate 

Moving a loved one to a memory care residence is never easy. However, with the many innovative memory care communities and programs offered, you can feel confident that you’re doing the best for your loved one and for your health.  Visit different facilities. Take tours. Talk to other families. You’ll begin to understand how your loved one can enjoy life in a memory care center. 

For example, memory care facilities such as Inn on the Pond’s Inspirations Memory Care, residents live in their own secure “neighborhood” within the assisted living community. Programs are developed on an individual basis, and are centered around the resident’s personal interests and abilities. The result can be a very rewarding, satisfying life.