Does Your Loved One Need Memory Care?

A Place for Mom’s website offers some advice to families regarding the need for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They explain early-on in the disease, many individuals are capable of living independently with family members overseeing some of their care. However they also warn symptoms can vary from day to day and it can be difficult to know exactly when a person requires more supervision for their safety and wellbeing. 

Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says when speaking to families, he centers the conversation regarding additional care for their loved one on the “ability to perform activities of daily living and safety.” ADLs include things like dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. 

Another question doctors may ask to evaluate a person’s ability to live on their own, is he or she having trouble finding their way back home from familiar neighborhood routes? Are they forgetting to eat or drink and take medications? Is the person’s safety at risk? Have they left the stove on, have unexplained bruises, or have had several falls recently?

Medical experts say it is important to let the person’s healthcare providers know as soon as you suspect a problem. They can do tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the confusion or memory loss; and take a look at the person’s medications to see if they are the problem. Also if you know about the Alzheimer’s early-on, the person has the chance to weigh-in regarding care options down the road. 

At MorningStar of North Ridge, we specialize in providing individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community has 38 suites with studio and one-bedroom floor plans and equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. When a loved one is suffering from memory impairment, we know you want the very best care memory care in Albuquerque. Visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care