6 Indicators That It’s Time to Consider Assisted Living

More than 16 million Americans give their time and energy to taking care of their loved ones. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is never easy. There comes a point when your loved one may require a higher level of care.

It is never an easy choice to place a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s into memory care assisted living. To make this decision easier, there are some signs to look for that it might be time. These indicators include, but are not limited to:

1. Aggression: Physical, violent, or sexual aggression often occur in people with dementia. Family members or caregivers can become stressed or resentful when these behaviors occur. Dementia assisted living facilities are skilled in handling aggression in a safe way.
2. Caregiver stress: This is is not a sign to ignore. Dealing with stress in your own life can make it harder to care for your loved one.
3. Increasing care needs: Each day you should ask yourself if the needs of your loved one are more than you’re physically or mentally able to handle. If your answer is ever yes, then it is time to consider placement in a dementia assisted living or memory care home.
4. Home safety: Whether your loved one has been living in their own home, or you have moved them into your home, safety must be a top priority. Are you completely confident in the safety of your loved one’s surroundings? Would assisted living for dementia residents be a safer option for your loved one?
5. Sundowning: “Sundowners syndrome” is defined as a very agitated behavior that becomes more pronounced later in the day. It is common in those with dementia. With your loved one being cared for in an assisted living facility for dementia residents, you can have peace of mind that they are in a safe environment with staff experienced in dealing with sundowning and other behaviors common with dementia.
6. Wandering: The risk of wandering increases as dementia progresses. It only takes a moment for your loved one to get lost. Dementia assisted living facilities are designed to keep this risk at bay.

If one or more of these signs are present, it’s time to consider moving your loved one to a memory care residence, where staff is trained in safety and behaviors commonly associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia.