Moving loved ones sooner to memory care has multiple benefits.
At Applewood Our House, we strongly encourage families to consider assisted living and memory care sooner rather than later for a loved one requiring additional care. The early transition has many benefits that can significantly improve the quality of life.
Moving Loved Ones Sooner to Memory Care Helps Seniors
Transitioning to assisted living or memory care earlier has numerous benefits that greatly improve quality of life.
- Safety – A structured environment with 24/7 staffing helps prevent falls and injuries that become more likely as we age. Our Applewood Our House team are trained in emergency responses.
With more care support, risk factors like forgetting to take medication or leaving the stove on are also reduced. - Socialization – One advantage to living in a memory care home is socialization. This helps residents combat loneliness and isolation.
There are opportunities to make meaningful connections with peers through group activities, shared meals, clubs, outings, and more.
Forming relationships and adjusting when moving into the community earlier is much easier. - Health – The care team helps optimize residents’ physical health by managing medication, coordinating medical appointments, offering nutritious meals, and monitoring overall wellness.
Therapies and fitness activities also help seniors stay active. Making the move earlier allows health to be maintained longer. - Cognition – Cognitive decline can be slowed by regular mentally stimulating activities like crafts, continuing education, trivia, and reminiscing. Our programming targets different cognitive skills to keep the mind sharp.
Starting this enrichment sooner rather than later can help preserve cognition. - Emotions – Transitioning is easier on a personal level before significant cognitive difficulties arise.
Without the confusion and frustration accompanying progressing dementia, individuals can feel more at ease entering assisted living or memory care. The adjustment period is smoother. - Routine – Establishing a consistent daily routine aids the transition process and provides stability. Meals, therapies, activities, and sleep happen at regular times, reducing uncertainty. It is beneficial to have a routine in place earlier.
- Family – Family members experience reduced stress and burden when a loved one has more outstanding care support. No one has to worry about medications, meals, or safety.
Guilt is lessened knowing their loved one is content and well cared for by professionals. - Finances – Moving earlier allows more time for financial planning and takes advantage of resources like long-term care insurance.
It may be too long to limit options due to depleted savings. Seeking placement when needs first arise can prevent complex money issues.
Assessing When to Make the Move
Our care team takes a comprehensive approach to assessing each individual’s situation to determine if assisted living or memory care is appropriate. Some key factors we consider include:
- Current health and cognition – We review medical history, diagnoses, physical exam results, and cognitive evaluation findings to gain insight into health and mental status.
Ongoing issues like hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, and dementia will inform care needs.
- Risk factors – We identify risk factors like a history of falls, hospitalizations, skipping medications, or unsafe behavior like leaving the stove on.
The higher risk may warrant more excellent care support.
- Activities of daily living – We evaluate abilities to perform daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, transferring, and toileting.
Difficulties with day-to-day tasks indicate that assisted living or memory care may be beneficial. - Mood and behavior – We note any changes in typical mood, personality, or conduct which could stem from medical issues, cognitive changes, stress, or other factors.
Significant shifts may necessitate increased care. - Family insights – We discuss observations and concerns from family members who know their loved one’s baseline and can provide perspectives on functioning.
Their experiences help complete the whole picture.
Suppose the assessment indicates emerging care needs surpassing current support.
In that case, we openly discuss the next steps with the individual and family.
We provide education, outline options, and help put a plan in place for a smooth transition to our community.
Reach out today to learn more about our thorough assessment process.
Ensuring an Effective Transition
We partner with families to help make your loved ones transition as smooth as possible. Our approach includes:
- Compassionate support– This is an emotional time, so we provide compassionate support to ease anxieties or concerns. We answer all questions, explain what to expect, and reassure individuals that they will be well cared for.
- Custom living spaces– We work to make living spaces feel warm, familiar, and home-like. Individuals can bring their favorite furniture, photos, mementos, and décor.
We want their space to reflect personal style and tastes. - Pre-move visits– We encourage visiting the community several times before move-in.
Meeting staff and fellow residents and touring the space make everyone more comfortable. - Connecting with residents– We thoughtfully match new residents with compatible peers who can buddy up and help them acclimate.
Building these relationships smooths the adjustment. - Frequent family updates– We maintain open communication with family members and provide frequent updates on how their loved one settles in. Families are welcome to visit anytime.
- Feedback– We check in regularly with new residents to seek feedback on their transition experience. Our team is available around the clock to assist any issues.
Effective transition planning ensures individuals feel cared for, at ease, and excited to start this new chapter in a supportive community.
Please reach out if we can answer any questions or schedule a tour!
Providing Enriching Care
Here are the type of care and services we provide our residents.
- 24-Hour Care– We are there 24/7 to help our residents.
- Robust activity programming– We offer a robust schedule of activities tailored to residents’ abilities and interests.
Examples include arts and crafts, cognitive stimulation games, exercise classes, gardening, live music, and social hours.
Therapies like pet and music therapy are also incorporated.
- Restaurant-style dining– We prepare nutritious, delicious meals daily with menu choices and restaurant-style dining.
Meals can be customized for medical needs. In addition, we make snacks and drinks available when residents request them. - Secure environment– We utilize state-of-the-art safety features.
This includes secure keypad entry, security cameras, alarm systems on doors/windows, and enclosed outdoor walking paths.
Specially trained staff provide secure memory care.
- Support for families– We offer support and counseling for families. An engaged family is integral to quality care.
Our enriching care philosophy aims to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. We always encourage families to schedule visits with their loved ones.
Conclusion
Moving loved ones sooner to memory care is ideal for many families.
The earlier a transition is made to assisted living or memory care, the greater the benefits for both loved one and family.
Timely placement allows your loved one to live fully in a supportive, engaging environment.
At Applewood Our House, we are committed to helping seniors thrive through enriching care and programming.
We encourage you to contact us about early placement. Our caring team is happy to answer any questions, provide community tours, and guide you through the next steps.
Begin the transition process now to help your loved one enjoy increased safety, socialization, health, cognition, routine, and overall well-being.
Call us today to discuss your family’s needs – we are ready to help.