According to SSM-Population Health, two-thirds of Americans over 50 experience cognitive decline at 70 years old. This issue only increases over time, and the mean dementia onset age is between 79 and 83.
If your loved one is struggling with memory problems and cognitive issues, SHINE® Memory Care can help them live life to the fullest. Read on to learn when to move from assisted living to memory care.
Assisted Living vs Memory Care: The Basics
If your loved one is currently in an assisted living community, they likely get help with tasks like:
- Choosing clothes
- Dressing
- Personal hygiene maintenance (such as brushing hair and teeth)
- Using the bathroom
- Bathing and showering
- Moving between areas of the apartment and community
- Cleaning and housekeeping
- Planning and preparing meals
- Medication management
Top-notch assisted living communities in Royal Palm Beach, FL, offer individualized care plans for each resident.
Their team talks with new residents and families about what seniors are struggling with. They use that information to create a comprehensive, adaptable care plan that keeps residents happy and healthy.
However, seniors may reach a point where their cognitive decline is so life-altering that they require even more support than assisted living can offer. Assisted living changes may become so copious that the community can no longer support their needs effectively.
That’s where SHINE® Memory Care comes in!
Memory care senior living options offer customized care plans, just like residents receive in assisted living. These plans revolve around six touchstones:
- Quality communication between caregivers, residents, and families
- Team member support from highly-trained professionals
- Group and individual activities made to improve sensory experiences and stimulate the mind
- Good dining with quality ingredients
- Accessible and convenient neighborhoods for safety and happiness
- A personal “My Story” book tailor-made for residents to use and enjoy
When to Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care
Deciding when to move from assisted living to memory care can be a challenge. However, you might consider making the switch if your loved one is diagnosed with:
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
Even if your family member isn’t showing signs of severe cognitive decline, these conditions make it nearly inevitable. Columbia University cites that one in ten older Americans has dementia, and that rate increases to 35% in people’s 90s.
Memory and cognition become more challenging over time, and getting dementia or Alzheimer’s support early can keep your loved one feeling great for longer. It’s similar to how preventative doctor check-ups stave off future health issues!
Those with mild cognitive decline may also want to make a memory care transition. Columbia also found that 22% of adults over 65 have some form of mild cognitive impairment, and this can create challenges with remembering daily personal care tasks.
It may also cause bad short-term memory and stop seniors from engaging in invigorating activities that enrich their lives.
Other Signs to Look For
Some other surefire signs that you should consider moving your parent or grandparent to memory care include:
- Confusion and disorientation that may impact safety
- Forgetting important events
- Decreased problem-solving skills
- Poor personal hygiene and/or difficulty doing basic tasks
- Increased irritation and aggression
- A decline in vocabulary
- Repeating words over and over
- Unnecessarily repeating tasks and actions multiple times
If an assisted living community caregiver recommends memory care, it’s time to look into doing so. After all, assisted living experts are there to maximize resident’s quality of life. Part of doing that is knowing when it’s time for a memory care transition.
The Benefits of Memory Care Transition
Transitioning to memory care from assisted living means getting specialized care.
At The Capstone at Royal Palm, our team is nationally recognized for our approach to memory care. We don’t just address the unique needs of your loved one, including physical health and mental well-being. We do so by providing assistance from experts trained to offer specialized help to those with cognitive decline.
All of our memory care community caregivers:
- Are certified to work with residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Know what programs promote cognitive reserves and recalling information
- Undergo constant training about how to best assist residents
Because of this, we have been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association® as one of the best memory care communities nationwide.
Accessible Amenities
All assisted living options in the best Florida community offer accessible amenities. Design is a priority in many ways, and residents can enjoy:
- Thoughtful apartment and community layouts for easy navigation
- Comforting and homelike environments that make residents feel like they can relax
- Outdoor relaxation areas and lots of natural light while indoors
Apartments also feature:
- Grab bars and grip bars
- Open spaces for wheelchair and walker access
- Wide doorways
- No-slip mats by showers
Those in SHINE® Memory Care access all of these same advantages. However, they also can benefit from compassionate caregivers who help them get from one location to another.
This assistance ensures that residents remain safe and don’t get lost. It decreases the possibility of unsafe situations.
Social Opportunities for Managing Cognitive Decline
Research shows that social isolation is a risk factor for cognitive decline. It also suggests that the opposite is also true: Those with cognitive decline are more likely to experience isolation and loneliness.
In a memory care community, seniors can access a wide range of social events like:
- Themed parties
- Game nights
- Crafting workshops
While this is also true for those in assisted living, memory care community members also get access to unique events that promote short-term memory and cognitive function.
From puzzles to new sensory experiences, these experiences can help to keep them as sharp as possible.
Explore Senior Living Options in Royal Palm Beach
Now that you know when to move from assisted living to memory care, it’s time to find a quality community for your loved one.
The Capstone at Royal Palm offers senior living options for dementia care and other cognitive decline. Our team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to implementing effective individual care plans.
Schedule a tour to learn more about SHINE® Memory Care and how it can enhance any senior’s quality of life.