Memory Care in Fremont, CA: When Is the Right Time to Make the Move?
The Alzheimer's Association says an estimated 6.9 million Americans 65 and older are suffering from the syndrome. These numbers are estimated to grow to 13.8 million by 2060.
Knowing when to consider switching to memory care is already a huge necessity, but it'll be even more important within the next few decades. Transitioning to memory care can also be arduous and stressful.
Below are signs to look out for that it's time to move to memory care in Fremont, CA. Read on for tips on when to begin looking for Alzheimer's support in Freemont and who's responsible for the transition.
Signs It's Time to Switch to Memory Care
The first sign we'll discuss is behavioral changes. Remember to observe your loved one objectively when accounting for whether you should consider dementia care services.
Not everyone in the family may see the same signs of dementia in their family members. For example, you may spend more time with your mother at night when her sundowning symptoms begin.
Your brother may watch her during the day, during which she has better cognition. Everyone should note what they see and examine any changes in mood, personality, and routine. Examples of mood changes include:
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- An inability to express themselves
- Feelings of discomfort or fear
- Feeling unsafe
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Violence (which may be unintentional)
Cognitive changes like forgetfulness and confusion often feed into discomfort, fear, and feeling unsafe. Seniors with dementia notice something is "off" and may respond aggressively.
You and Your Family Feel Unsafe
Unfortunately, anger and aggression from loved ones with dementia can put you and your loved ones in danger. Dementia often causes severely lowered inhibitions.
Sufferers may have increased violent or sexual tendencies. As hard as it can be to accept, you must acknowledge when and if your parent is a threat to your safety.
Keep in mind that these behaviors often arise with advanced dementia cases. Every case varies, but many with dementia and Alzheimer's don't display harmful, violent tendencies.
They're Struggling With Activities of Daily Living
Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are tasks we do to survive daily. Dressing, grooming, bathing, eating, toileting, and walking are a few of these daily life tasks.
It's not uncommon for an older adult to need help with ADLs, but there's a difference between needing help and forgetting how ADLs work. For example, your loved one may have had issues buttoning up shirts.
But now, you've noticed they're dressing inappropriately for the weather or occasion. Other signs include:
- An increased struggle with bathing, grooming, or dressing thoroughly
- Incontinence issues or problems cleaning themselves after going
- Trouble remembering to eat or drink
You may want to schedule a mental status exam.
They've Developed Poor Health Habits
Another sign to consider seeking memory care in Fremont, CA, is if your parent has developed poor health habits. They may forget to take their medication or take too much.
Your loved one may forget to eat a meal or eat too much unhealthy food throughout the day. Sudden weight loss or gain are possible signs of an unbalanced diet.
Pill organizers and mealtime reminders can help at the beginning of a diagnosis. However, those with severe cognitive decline may need dementia care services.
These communities have the property training to offer medication management and balanced meals. It's easier to ensure your parents stay healthy if someone with a dedicated team helps.
Their Health Care Provider Notices Changes
Doctors search for signs indicating dementia or Alzheimer's in older patients, though the determination is a collaborative effort -- or it should be. Don't hesitate to tell your mom or dad's doctor about concerning signs like:
- Getting lost
- Becoming easily agitated
- An inability to carry on conversations
Your parents may not bring up memory issues during regularly scheduled visits. Often, the children do (which you should prepare for), or the doctor figures it out during examinations.
The doctor may ask questions about a senior's daily life or do a brief mental status exam. The exam measures a senior's concentration, short-term recall, and spatial awareness.
You're Having Difficulties With Caregiving
You can't effectively care for your loved one while neglecting your personal needs. Being a caretaker requires selflessness, but there should be a balance. You can't spend all your time with your parents.
It's normal to feel frustrated and overwhelmed at times. However, you should consider memory care if caregiving is taking over all your time or if you're feeling increasingly negative.
Caregiver burnout is a state of stress or exhaustion from caregiving. Symptoms present as:
- Poor sleep
- Headaches
- Forgetting (or an inability) to meet obligations
- Withdrawing from loved ones
Fremont senior care alleviates the burden of caregiving because you leave most of the work to reliable experts. It can prevent resentment from festering within you and your parent's relationship.
Who Determines When It's Time to Transition to Memory Care?
Determining when to seek Alzheimer's support in Fremont is a collaborative effort between you and your parent's doctor. You and their doctor should account for all changes and if they necessitate specialized care.
That said, you can't put someone in memory care in California without their consent. Memory care timing is vital. Your parents should still participate in the conversation if they're able.
Talk about what you'll do when their condition advances. If your parent can't consent due to cognitive decline, you'll have to petition a court to become their guardian and make decisions on their behalf.
Learn When to Seek Dementia Care Services
Learning when it's best to seek memory care isn't a lesson many want to learn, but it's vital for those looking after dementia and Alzheimer's patients. Memory care timing is important.
You, your parents, and their doctors should discuss transitioning to memory care during the early stages of the syndrome. Freemont Hills strives to be a viable choice for your parents.
Our Fremont Hills caregivers give personalized care to each resident. Our community layout focuses on safety, comfort, and convenience. The team is available 24/7 in case of an emergency. Contact us today to schedule your tour.