Taking care of a loved one who is suffering from Dementia can be incredibly difficult and traumatizing. It can be a very emotional time for your family and it can begin to interfere with being able to live a normal life. Often people wait too long to start looking for the right options for their loved one because they aren't sure when to start looking.
Here are some things to look for when to know it's time to look for an assisted living or memory care facility:
1. Measuring their level of care through the six ADL's (Activities of Daily Living).
The six ADL’s are eating, bathing, dressing, toileting (going to the bathroom), transferring (getting in and out of a bed, chair or wheelchair), and continence (maintaining control of bladder or bowel movements). These are the things that people should be able to do on their own, but the more they need help with, the higher level of care they will require.
2. Poor Hygiene
With their illness progressing, it will become more and more difficult for them to perform daily or regular grooming activities. It’s a clear sign that they aren’t able to take care of themselves without assistance.
3. Worsening Illness or Condition
If their illness or condition does not seem to be getting better and it is becoming more and more difficult to provide care.
4. Isolating or Challenging Behaviors
Many seniors live alone and it can cause them to feel isolated leading to mental health issues like depression and addictions. They may also develop combative or aggressive behaviors that can be difficult and dangerous to deal with.
These are just a few of the main things to be aware of. Beginning the search for the right home can be very intimidating, but the best thing to do is find out more information about potential facilities and schedule tours to see them yourself.