The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is expected to grow significantly as the baby boomer generation enters old age, and studies show that over seven million people will be affected by 2030. Caring for those seven million people with dementia will be family caregivers, spouses, and adult children, involved in billions of hours of unpaid care each year, valued at well over $100 million.
When managing the care needs of a loved one with dementia becomes increasingly complex, caregivers may ask: Is a memory care community the best option for my loved one? In this article, we’ll examine four common caregiver scenarios to identify how a memory care community can provide specialized support to both family members and their loved ones.
Scenario One: My loved one has dementia and lives alone.
This scenario can be quite complex for family members and caregivers. A loved one living alone with a dementia diagnosis may be able to manage initially with frequent help from family members. But as time goes on and care needs change, health and safety risks compound.
What to consider:
A senior with dementia care needs will likely need 24/7 care and supervision in their home to mitigate the risks of falls, wandering, and other dangers. Along with this concern is the importance of keeping your loved one engaged in a daily routine, with opportunities for social interaction and cognitively stimulating activities.
How a memory care community can help:
A memory care community can provide a safe, engaging, and vibrant home environment where individuals with dementia can continue to learn, grow, and contribute. They offer:
- Compassionate caregivers who provide support for daily individual needs, such as getting dressed, using the restroom, showering, personal care, escort services, managing medication, and one-on-one assistance.
- Balanced and nourishing meals served to a resident’s preference and the opportunity to dine in the company of others, rather than eating alone.
- Secured doors and entryways, enhanced staffing, and the benefits of a wander protection system provide peace of mind for individuals at risk.
- Transportation services to support the independence of seniors no longer driving and assist with medical appointments and other outings.
- Inspiring, engaging programs and events that provide daily opportunities for socializing and living a purposeful, healthy, and active lifestyle.
Scenario Two: My spouse has dementia and needs more care than I can provide.
Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias often provide care for a longer period of time than caregivers of people with other types of conditions. As a loved one’s care needs change and responsibilities increase, caregivers may find themselves struggling with guilt when faced with the reality that they can no longer safely care for their loved one at home.
What to consider:
The long-term commitment of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and dementia can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting for anyone, and it is essential for caregivers to pursue support through each stage. Taking breaks, asking a friend or family member to step in and help, or exploring respite stay options or a supportive memory care community can provide much-needed relief.
How a memory care community can help:
Many assisted living and memory care communities have options specifically designed for couples. One-or two-bedroom apartments or suites can provide a safe and supportive environment for both the individual with dementia and the caregiver. Additionally, caregivers can continue in their role and receive support and assistance from the community’s team of staff when needed, while also benefiting from the maintenance-free lifestyle, including services and amenities.
Scenario Three: My loved one has dementia and lives with me.
This scenario typically involves an adult child caring for a parent in their own home. It can also describe those caring for other family members living with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, such as an aunt, uncle, or older relative. While caring for a loved one in your own home has some advantages, it also brings substantial challenges.
What to consider:
Taking time out from caregiving is increasingly difficult when a loved one lives in the home, especially for adult children sandwiched between the needs of a family with school-aged children and those of a loved one with dementia. Balancing the responsibilities of work, parenting, and managing a home and a family’s different schedules, combined with the added responsibilities of caregiving, can significantly impact an individual’s mental health, marriage, and family well-being.
How a memory care community can help:
For adult children in caregiving roles, memory care communities can provide much-needed respite and support while offering a loved one with dementia a safe place to live and thrive. The lifestyle and routine of a memory care community offers individuals with dementia the opportunity to develop friendships, routines, and hobbies that they can then share with their family. With caregiving responsibilities alleviated, adult children can focus on cultivating a meaningful relationship with their loved one and not simply managing their care.
Scenario Four: My loved one has dementia and lives in a senior living community but needs a higher level of care.
Many seniors choose a continuum of care option for the flexibility and peace of mind it offers when a higher level of care is needed. Most independent and assisted living communities can provide healthcare services to meet the daily care needs of residents, but when the changes of an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis require greater assistance, a supportive memory care community may be the best option.
What to consider:
Memory loss can be disruptive to a loved one’s daily routine and its progression can require moving to a different community that can best support these changes. The advantages of community living in a continuum ensures the transition takes place in one setting and is supervised by a team of staff who have already established a personal connection with your loved one and a level of familiarity with their care needs.
How a memory care community can help:
A memory care community within a continuum is an incredible resource for caregivers as it eliminates the need to begin a new search for the right option. For seniors, memory care neighborhoods are well-equipped to care for the changing needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia. With enhanced services and amenities, specially trained staff, and a wealth of programming focused on cognitive health, active living, shared experiences, and purposeful activities, residents can transition safely and successfully.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar to you or a loved one, it may be time to request the expert support and caregiver resources available from a senior living continuum, like Edgemere. With Edgemere’s resident-focused memory care program, and luxury independent and assisted living options, active seniors can pursue the lifestyle they love today while putting plans in place for any future care needs.
Contact us today to learn more about Edgemere’s award-winning memory care and community living options or schedule a tour to experience the Edgemere difference firsthand.
