If you cannot provide the level of care needed at home for your loved one, a long-term care center will provide the care that your loved one needs. Here’s what you need to know about these types of senior living communities.

Does Your Loved One Have Dementia? Is a Nursing Home Right for Them?

You may feel guilty or upset because you don't want to separate your loved one from your family. But a senior living community, like a memory care environment, may be the best option for your aging loved one. Here are some things to keep in mind when making this difficult choice.

• A long-term care facility is designed to help people age in place. It helps people remain independent and safe.
• Many senior living facilities offer activities such as arts and crafts, music therapy, exercise classes, and social events. These activities give residents something to focus on besides their illness.
• Some communities may even allow and encourage pets.
• You won’t find staff members who are trained to deal with dementia symptoms at every type of senior living community.

Reasons to Move Your Loved One with Dementia to a Nursing Home or Memory Care Community

Because dementia and memory-based conditions can affect cognitive abilities, there’s a risk that your loved one could get injured without the right support. If your loved one experiences these symptoms, it may be time to find a memory care community for them.

Delirium

Delirium can best be described as a sudden loss of awareness and ability to think clearly. This symptom makes it hard to think, remember, and concentrate. Some patients with delirium may be sleepy and quiet, while others may be agitated. Delirium symptoms can occur due to diseases like dementia or other memory-based conditions.

Falls

People with dementia who are unsupervised have an increased risk of falls, especially in their old age. This can be dangerous for your loved one’s well-being. If you’re not around and your loved one has a bad fall, there will be no one there to assist them. In a memory care facility, the chances of falling are lower due to a well-kept facility and 24/7 staff supervision who are focused on delivering quality dementia care.

Inability to Perform Daily Tasks

As dementia progresses, one’s ability to perform daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, or walking decreases. This change is associated with mental decay and seniors with dementia may need a nursing home or dedicated care providers to get the care they need.

What Community is Best for My Loved One?

People who suffer from advanced memory loss conditions, like dementia, often require extensive supervision. These individuals can benefit from the knowledge and compassion that often comes with memory care facilities for people with dementia. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are a little more focused on physical ailments versus mental decay and may not provide all the care services that your loved one needs.

Live at The Creeks Today

If you’re looking for a top dementia care residence for your loved one, you’ve come to the right place. The Creeks is an ideal place for people who live with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. We design every single part of our homes to improve the lives of our residents and help them manage their symptoms. Our caring staff will ensure your loved one feels safe and comfortable at any one of our facilities.

Contact us today to schedule your tour of one of our facilities in Illinois or Wyoming and see our approach to dementia care for yourself.