Tips for Deciding When It’s Time for Memory Care

Due to the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease, families often have difficulty knowing when their loved one has reached the point of needing professional memory care. In addition, they often struggle with conflicting emotions of guilt and relief when thinking about letting go of their caregiver roles.

By the middle stages of the disease, 24-hour professional memory care, and supervision is usually necessary to allow a loved one with Alzheimer’s – and their family members – the best quality of life possible. Experts in memory care have created guidelines to help families know when the time is right to move to round-the-clock care. Here are some important questions experts suggest asking yourself to help you evaluate your situation:

1. Is my loved one unsafe?Are they at risk of harming themselves by falling or wandering outside? Are you concerned about your loved one’s vulnerability to a severe household emergency or falling victim to scams?
2. Is my loved one’s health at risk?Have the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progressed to the point where they are too challenging for you to manage at home? Are symptoms such as paranoia, aggression, dehydration or incontinence beyond what you can manage to keep them well on your own?
3. Are my loved one’s needs beyond my abilities?Has the progression of the disease made your loved one increasingly dependent on you for help with daily living activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing? Do they demand more of your time than you are able to give?
4. Am I becoming a stressed, irritable, impatient caregiver?Are you feeling depressed or hopeless or having trouble sleeping? Are you neglecting your work, family or self? Caregivers suffer from increased physical and emotional health risks, including depression, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, brought on by the stress and exhaustion of caring for loved ones.
5. Would the care, environment and social interaction benefit my loved one?Do the advantages of a memory care community exceed the lifestyle your loved has currently? Do you think they could experience better health, safety, and happiness surrounded by trained caregivers and their peers?

It’s easy to feel a tinge of guilt when answering “yes” to any of these questions, but acknowledging that you’re unable to provide the best care for your loved one doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, seeking ways to give them the best quality of life possible proves you have their best interests at heart.

At Tuscan Gardens® of Venetia Bay, we’ve mastered the art of living. We’ve perfected the balance of personalized support and an uplifting lifestyle, helping our residents experience independence, joy, and meaning every day.

Offering supportive independent living, assisted living and memory care services for families in Venice, Florida, Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay was founded with one simple, yet profound goal – to create a community worthy of our parents. In all we do, we are guided by the principles of family, culture, and engagement, working to represent the remarkable way of life our families deserve.

The essence of our community is made up not only of mere aesthetics but an artfully designed lifestyle to bring out the best of what each day has to offer. From dedicated care that respects residents’ individuality and dignity to a lifestyle that nurtures their love of life, Tuscan Gardens was built to be more than just a residence, but a place to call home.

To learn more about our comfortable, elegant community, contact us today!