Navigating the Journey: When Is the Right Time for Memory Care?
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to having critical conversations about brain health and supporting the millions of families impacted by dementia. At Liberty Health and Rehab, we understand that a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia brings unique challenges, but it also brings an opportunity to provide your loved one with a life of dignity, safety and specialized support.
If you are currently navigating this journey, here is what you need to know about specialized memory care and how you can transition your loved one to a safe, home-like community with peace of mind.
Recognizing When It’s Time for Memory Care
The progression of dementia varies for everyone, but certain signs indicate that a move to a professional memory care center may be beneficial for both the individual and the caregiver. Consider these questions:
- Safety First: Is your loved one at risk of falls or wandering?
- Daily Challenges: Are they struggling with basic hygiene or eating without support?
- Behavioral Shifts: Are you noticing increased disorientation, apathy or aggression?
- Caregiver Well-being: Are you feeling burnt out, stressed or neglecting your own health and responsibilities?
If the answer to any of these is “yes,” transitioning to a structured environment might be the next step in your loved one’s health journey.
The Liberty Difference: Person-Centered Memory Care
At Liberty Health and Rehab, our memory care centers are designed to be more than just a facility; they are a safe and secure community. We focus on person-centered care that celebrates a resident’s abilities while assisting with their challenges. Key features of our memory care centers include:
- Expert Staff: Our team is specially trained in the unique needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Secure Environments: To protect residents from wandering, we utilize locked entrances/exits, keypad entries and enclosed courtyards.
- Structured Routines: Scheduled daily activities and relaxation plans help reduce anxiety and promote healthy sleep.
- Medical Monitoring: Residents receive 24-hour skilled nursing care, medication management and access to an in-house therapy team for physical, occupational and speech therapy if needed.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Moving a loved one to memory care is a significant change. We recommend these helpful tips to ease the transition:
- Share Their Story: Tell us about your loved one’s quirks, hobbies and passions. This allows our team to create a personalized care plan and match them with residents who have similar interests.
- Set a Positive Tone: Use reassuring language. Avoid arguing if they ask to “go home,” as “home” often represents a feeling of security rather than a physical place.
- Allow Time to Adapt: Visit often, but coordinate with staff to find the best times to allow your loved one space to settle into their new routine.
Support for the Caregiver: Managing Guilt and Grief
It is normal to feel guilt or grief when making this decision. You might feel you’ve broken a promise or that you “should” be able to do it all alone. Remember: seeking professional assistance is not a failure; it is a way to ensure your loved one is safe while allowing you to care for your own physical and emotional needs.
Connecting with other caregivers or joining a support group can help you realize you are not alone in these feelings.
Find a Memory Care Community Near You
Liberty Health and Rehab is a family-owned company that has provided care across the Carolinas since 1875. We offer specialized memory care for residents who have a dementia-related diagnosis and are at risk for wandering at the following North Carolina locations:
- Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Alamance County in Burlington, NC
- Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Columbus County in Whiteville, NC
- WoodHaven Nursing Center in Lumberton, NC
For more information on our memory care services or to schedule a tour, visit our website or call us at (800) 999-9883.
About Liberty Health and Rehab
Liberty Health and Rehab is a part of Liberty Health, a family-owned company that has provided continuum of care services across the Carolinas and beyond since 1875.