When Is It Time to Move a Loved One from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Assisted living communities provide opportunities to enhance a person’s lifestyle and independence through daily support and conveniences. However, if your parent or loved one has been living in an assisted living community and you’ve begun to notice changes in their behavior, personality, and actions – what does that mean? 

If your parent’s or family member’s cognitive needs are changing, there may come a time when they require the additional services and support of a memory care community. 

At HarborChase Senior Living, our communities exceed expectations by providing comfort, hospitality, and a touch of elegance that enhances lives and celebrates every achievement. 

Offering assisted living and memory care in Naperville, Illinois, HarborChase of Naperville wants to help families and individuals prepare for the future and plan accordingly by sharing when to know if it’s time to transition a loved one out of assisted living and into memory care. 

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Understanding the Difference

Memory care communities are designed for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, providing specialized care and support, secure environments, and cognitive-focused programming. 

Cognitive changes and memory loss often require more specialized care than what is available in traditional assisted living facilities. When deciding whether to move your loved one to memory care in Naperville, it’s essential to consider their care and health needs and the resources available to you and your family. 

Be Mindful of These Signs and Signals

First and foremost, if you notice your parent or family member displaying the following (or similar) signs, speak with a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis. From there, everyone involved can determine if they should move from assisted living to memory care. 

Episodes of Wandering or Disorientation

It’s common for a person living with dementia to wander or become lost or confused about their location. While assisted living communities in Naperville allow residents to come and go, memory care communities have security measures in place, such as secured doors and outdoor spaces, to prevent residents from leaving unattended.

Social Challenges

One of the most significant benefits of senior living communities is the socialization opportunities presented to residents. If you’ve noticed that your loved one has stopped participating in activities, events, or even socializing with friends and neighbors, it could be a sign they require additional care. Showing disinterest in any social activity, including with family and friends, can be an early sign of dementia.

Your loved one might become less talkative, withdrawn, or unattentive when people speak to them. Watch for this behavior during visits, and ask associates if they’ve also noticed this behavior. In addition, ask your parent or family member questions about social events and inquire about their friend group. This can help you determine their level of social activity, as well as their lack of interest in being around others. 

Aggression, Frustration, and Confusion

Personality changes are one of the primary signs of dementia, and these quick shifts often show up in the form of aggression, confusion, and frustration. Those living with dementia might experience sudden mood swings that can change their usual demeanor to that of a stranger. For instance, a soft-spoken individual may suddenly share rude remarks or become quickly frustrated when trying to complete a task. 

Severe confusion can also be an early sign of dementia. Similar to wandering, confusion can present safety concerns if they cannot recognize their surroundings, navigate their community or living space, or consistently forget where they are. 

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When deciding when to move from assisted living to memory care, it’s important to consider their cognitive function, behaviors, and health needs. Seek guidance from their doctors, healthcare providers, and the associates at their assisted living community to determine their care needs and the best course of action.

If your parent or family member has been diagnosed with dementia, a memory care community is the best option as it provides the safety, support, and specialized care they need to live a full life.

HarborChase of Naperville is here to help guide the decision-making process and offer direction, education, and support. Our assisted living and memory care in Naperville, Illinois, makes it easy for residents to transition to a higher level of care. We invite you to contact our Naperville community today to learn more.