Tag: Dementia Care

8 Step Planning Guide: Deciding Memory Care is the Best Option

MC Planning Guide

January 22nd, 2025 by Rachel Dimitroff

Planning Guide to Memory Care

There is a lot of planning that goes into making the decision of choosing memory care for yourself or for a loved one. This guide can help to spark your thinking on important factors to consider.

8 Step Planning Guide: Deciding Memory Care is the Best Option

There is a lot of planning that goes into making the decision of choosing memory care for yourself or for a loved one. This guide can help to spark your thinking on important factors to consider.

#1 RESEARCH MEMORY CARE FACILITIES IN YOUR AREA

When the time comes for you or your loved one to decide on memory care, where you choose to spend it is important. After deciding an easy first step to research is typing in memory care facilities in you or your loved one’s area. Click around and spend some time on the websites that appear. When researching in the designated area, look at pricing as well. Some facilities offer a monthly fee or “all-inclusive” which covers everything, while others offer prices based on the level of care you or your loved one need. Pricing can have a large impact where people choose, but other factors like amenities, services, location and reviews play a role as well. Some facilities offer solely memory care, and others offer multiple care services like independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

#2 TAKE A TOUR

As you narrow down facilities, book appointments to visit them. It’s important to see the facilities in person rather than on their website. Observe your visit closely. Pay attention to whether the staff are friendly and helpful, if the residents look happy, and if it feels comfortable. On this tour, it’s important to be able to ask questions and come prepared. Deciding to go into memory care is not a decision to rush, which is why should put in the time to research the best fit. The “fun stuff” on a tour is important, do the amenities match what they advertise on their website, if they are up to standard as well as checking to see if their nurses are Certified Dementia Care Managers. It can be difficult to see which will be the “perfect” fit for you or your loved one, an in-person tour is a step in the right direction. On the tour, make sure to ask staff members how they plan to care for residents with dementia, and ask about individualized care plans.

#3 TALK TO YOUR FAMILY

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to talk with family as soon as possible to create a game plan. Discuss financials, legalities, and create a long-term care plan shortly after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Talk to the people you love or talk to your loved one. When making a significant transition such as this, leaning on others for advice and to talk about plans will be beneficial. The transition to memory care can affect everyone differently, you or your loved one may be having second thoughts or anger towards this decision. It’s possible you could be alone on this journey. It can be scary to go through a big life change with no family or support, if that is the case there are many online therapy websites for elders, this is to be able to speak your feelings and talk to someone out loud about coming to terms with your diagnosis. Check out elderly counseling.

#4 DISCUSS A CARE PLAN IN ADVANCE

It’s important to develop a care plan which is individually based on you or your loved one’s specific needs. This disease will eventually take away you or a loved one’s ability to make cognizant decisions when it comes to health. Lay out from the beginning what the necessary steps are to take as this disease continues to progress. Creating a will in advance will allow your loved one’s assets and belongings to be distributed how you specified before the turn of the diagnosis. Choosing a power of attorney, AKA “proxy”, should be someone close and able to make proper medical decisions. These conversations can be difficult but having someone make personal medical decisions for someone else is not ideal. Planning will save you or your loved one trouble and possible resentment. Check out more about financial planning when deciding to go into memory care.

#5 MAKE SURE HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS ARE TAKEN CARE OF

If a loved one moves into memory care, here are three main things to remember:

  • Make sure to change the mailing address to you or your loved one’s new address.
  • Cancel any cable and Wi-Fi subscriptions.
  • Update addresses on cards and accounts.

Hopefully, there is someone to help you or your loved one dive deep into what is the best plan for moving into memory care. Being prepared will make the transition much smoother and more efficient. It’s important to discuss this when it’s still early in the diagnosis so you or your loved one can still have input.

#6 CREATE A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT

When setting up for you or a loved one’s room, it’s important to create a sense of familiarity. Bring a favorite chair, favorite blanket, or pictures of family and friends to provide comfort. Being in a new space, anything familiar can make a difference. Arranging the furniture in a similar setup to the previous living room can help, as living in a new space can feel overwhelming. As the Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, being around familiar objects and photos of family will help to stimulate the brain even if there is no recollection.

#7 PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES

With a 24/7 activities calendar to take part in, there is always something to do. With Alzheimer’s or dementia, staying active and social can help increase cognitive function and boost overall mood. Activities are offered at all times of the day to give each type of resident the chance to participate. Activities are not mandatory, however, strongly encouraged. Participating in these activities will help your loved one see how important it is to engage with others and how enjoyable it can be. When someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to stay distracted and enjoy the small moments in life. Not everything has to be to you or your loved one’s taste, but there is a good mix of different types of activities for different interests.

#8 Establish a Support System

Having people who will be there for you or your loved one will be crucial through the battle of this disease. Having family and friends that will check in, reach out, and remind you or your loved one of old memories will help lessen the burden of reality. Early in the diagnosis, establish important people who will make the effort to be there for you or your loved one. Discuss how it can become difficult to watch this disease take over and how communication will decrease. Having a support system will help not only you or a loved one but family and friends.

We’ve discussed 8 important steps to plan for after making the decision to go into memory care. Although there are many steps that correlate with making the transition, these are some main points to really consider. Make sure to do enough research and see these facilities in person. Reach out to a support system for assistance and have them help in the aid of housekeeping items that need to be taken care of. Understanding the significance of planning when facing a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia will drastically help the process. Memory care is necessary for anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, it helps with the progression of the disease and creates a positive environment for you or your loved one to have the opportunity to thrive in.

Book a tour here to see if we’re the right fit.

Empower Yourself: National Healthcare Decisions Day and Advance Care Planning

April 15th, 2024 by lansdowneheights

Empower Yourself:

National Healthcare Decisions Day and Advance Care Planning

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is approaching, urging us to reflect on the importance of taking control of our health journey. NHDD is not just a day; it’s a movement that aims to inspire, educate, and empower individuals and their families about the significance of advance care planning.

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning goes beyond mere medical decisions. It’s about ensuring that your wishes are known and respected, particularly during times when you may not be able to express them yourself. By proactively discussing and documenting your healthcare preferences, you provide yourself and your loved ones with peace of mind, knowing that your choices will guide your care.

For Those Considering Senior Living Options

Whether you’re exploring independent living or assisted living, advance care planning is vital to maintaining autonomy and dignity. With a plan in place, you can continue making choices aligned with your values and preferences as your needs evolve. Whether you envision an active lifestyle or anticipate the need for additional support, advanced care planning empowers you to live life on your terms.

For Families Seeking Memory Care

For families navigating the complexities of memory care for a loved one, advance care planning offers clarity and direction amidst challenging circumstances. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia require thoughtful discussions about medical care to ensure your loved ones get quality care from memory care-certified staff at a licensed memory care community.

Our highly trained memory care staff is always on hand to lend support to family members, while providing peace and purpose to our residents, creating a truly exceptional experience for our families.

 

How We Can Help

We aim to ensure you feel informed, supported, and empowered to make decisions that reflect your values and preferences. Whether you’re considering independent living, assisted living, or memory care, having a plan in place empowers you to live with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more!

Why You Should Join a Caregiver Support Group

November 7th, 2022 by Rachel Dimitroff

Why You…

Should Join a Caregiver Support Group.

Why You Should Join a Caregiver Support Group

Being a caregiver can bring stress, worry, exhaustion, guilt and the list goes on. Taking care of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia can mentally drain a person as much as they may deny it. This disease takes a powerful tole not only on the diagnosed but the people surrounding them, in different ways.

As a caregiver, it is important to feel supported and not alone in the process of taking care of a loved one. We are lucky today there are many care options for loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and options for caregivers. Let’s talk about the importance of support groups in caregivers’ journeys…

While caregivers are usually never alone, it’s easy to feel alone and isolated. Caregivers spend most of their time caring for someone else in every way possible, it’s difficult to remember to take care of themselves. It can also be difficult to accept memory care for your loved one as you’re so used to it, but sometimes it’s what it needs to turn too.

Support groups help you develop relationships with people who have similar stories to you whether that be with their parents, spouse, sibling, or a friend. In these discussions, you would be exchanging information between other caregivers like yourself, it could even turn into finding solutions to the problems you’re having. Advice from others can go a long way.

A support group gives you access to other people’s experiences, they can relate to you through their own challenges with their loved one. You as a caregiver can discuss what you have gone through and seek advice from others in the same position. You can share your true feelings in a safe space meant for venting and coping with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

There are many resources out there to caregivers and family members of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Click here to find support groups in your area.

Book a tour here to see if we’re the right fit for you or your loved one.

More Support Group Resources:

Eldercare Locator – https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Topic/Caregiver.aspx

Family Caregiver Alliance  (FCA) – http://lists.caregiver.org/mailman/listinfo/caregiver-online_lists.caregiver.org

What To Do When a Loved One is Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s

October 24th, 2022 by Rachel Dimitroff

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Someone you love was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It feels surreal and you’re unable to predict how this will play out. Your mind is going to a million different places, and you’re scared.

What To Do When a Loved One is Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s and 1 in 3 of elderly people will die with dementia or Alzheimer’s. This disease slowly takes memories and cognitive skills away from its host, and it is devastating.

Someone you love was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It feels surreal and you’re unable to predict how this will play out. Your mind is going to a million different places, and you’re scared. You’ve never quite been told news like this before, or you have, and you know what’s coming.

You wonder how this will affect your relationship with your loved one as well as the future. Will they suffer? Will they forget everything, including me? I hope you find comfort in knowing there are millions of other families going through the same experience. As unfair as an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is, there are ways to try to cope with the diagnosis and resources to help. Let’s discuss 5 ways to help cope when a loved one is diagnosed, including: allowing yourself to feel, providing comfort, finding the right fit for care, patience with your loved one, and dealing with guilt.

  1. Allow Yourself to Feel Your Emotions

As humans, emotions play a large role in how we tackle situations, feel the feelings you need too. Go scream at the top of your lungs, break something, whatever your mind needs to process the news so that you can be your best self for your loved one in need.

Remember, you have family and friends you can discuss your emotions with and start talking about a plan. It’s important to research Alzheimer’s to become more familiar with the disease. A diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s will always be scary but remember you’re not alone. There are multiple support groups for families of the diagnosed, here’s a few:

Alzheimer’s Association

Hilarity For Charity (HFC)

Memory People

Caring Bridge

As scary as it is for someone you love to be diagnosed with an incurable disease, imagine how scared they must be. Both sides are terrified to know how this will progress so it’s crucial to communicate as much as possible in the beginning.

  1. Provide Comfort to Your loved One

Their diagnosis may not let them express their fear for the future, which is why it’s important to make your loved one feel safe. Don’t be afraid of them, continue to make eye contact when they’re speaking to remind them you know who they are and you’re listening.

Keeping up a routine is important in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Try to recall little habits or preferences they have like drinking their favorite juice every morning, hobbies like knitting, or wearing their favorite sweater. Keep reminding them of the familiar as much as you can, but do not push it. Trying to remind someone who they once were, will mostly result in frustration and anger if they do not remember what is asked of them.

  1. Find the Right Fit for Care

Choosing the right form of care is a big decision, you must ask yourself some questions. Is it inviting? Clean? Is there knowledgeable staff? How do they communicate with patients’ families? Is it comfortable? There is an array of potential questions to ask yourself when deciding where to go, and each relates to your personal situation. There are also specialized memory care facilities that focus solely on dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

At this facility, caring is our top priority for your loved one along with our privilege. We offer exceptional care and a comfortable environment. We focus on every resident and their specific and unique needs. Each of our facilities are licensed and inspected by the state health departments, along with each facility having the assistance of the Department of Health regulating our facilities. It’s important to check that any facility you are thinking of choosing, has the proper licensing and certifications. Each year, the National Center for Assisted Living updates state requirements for assisted living care. Click here to find your state.

  1. Have Patience With Your Loved One and Disease

Although you can’t fully understand what they’re going through, try to remember if they become upset or agitated towards you that it is the disease talking and not them. It’s important to take it day by day, you cannot look too far into the future because each day is different. When diagnosed, they will need to stop doing the tasks they used to do like driving a car, riding a bike, going for a run and it’s important to accept that as a loved one you cannot “fix” or “preserve” them. Patience and accepting the hard realization of this diagnosis are key.

  1. Don’t Let Guilt Creep In

Many family members feel guilty for placing their loved ones in a memory care facility. Do not feel guilty for prioritizing your loved one’s diagnosis by putting them in memory care, you also must prioritize yourself as their care giver or close family member. Neither side wants to be going through this, you’re taking care of them by knowing it’s time they receive professional care, and you should be proud of that. Letting go is very difficult and this disease may take full control, so while you can, take control of it first.

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel irritated or frustrated with your loved one going through Alzheimer’s. This does not make you a bad person or care giver, it makes you human. There’s no right way to grieve someone you love after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. You may fear all the memories they will lose or if they will remember your name. Even if you’re not going through the disease, it doesn’t mean you aren’t already grieving a loss to come and that is okay.

In Conclusion

You’re a loved one, who’s worried about another loved one with an incurable disease. Give yourself credit and grace. Taking each day at a time will be beneficial to the both of you. The next day can bring anything, good or bad, so there is no need to try and predict or control the future. Your loved one is lucky to have you.

Book a tour here to see if we’re the right fit for you or your loved one.