Deciding to move a parent or grandparent to a memory care facility can be one of the hardest decisions for a family to make. Knowing more about the services offered can put your mind at ease, knowing that your senior parent is in good hands and has all their needs addressed.
If you have a loved one who is in need of senior memory care, look no further than the community at Buckner Retirement Services. We have designed our certified memory care program to provide a comfortable, home-like environment for residents to enjoy life. Our staff members are committed to creating a safe and secure setting with a full continuum of care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses. Therapeutic programs to address cognitive decline are also offered, and we offer both long-term stays and respite care. Contact us at 214.227.7182 to learn more.
How to Tell if Your Loved One Needs Memory Support for Seniors
If you are concerned that your loved one may need a memory care program, there are some steps you can take to assess their needs. First, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of dementia, which can include:
- Increasing confusion about time, people, and places
- Forgetting to pay bills or take medications
- Having difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Poor decision-making, such as giving away large sums of money
- Trouble finding the right words or understanding conversations
- Inability to recognize family members or close friends
- Weight loss from forgetting to eat meals
If a senior adult is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to their doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
It is also important to look at a senior adult’s current environment and lifestyle. Some useful questions to consider are:
- Do they have access to adequate medical care?
- Are they able to safely manage their own medications?
- Are they able to perform daily tasks without assistance?
- Are they able to engage in meaningful activities or socialize safely?
If the answer is no to any of these questions, then a memory care program could be beneficial for them. It is also essential to consider if the current home environment poses any risks, such as potential falls, that could be addressed through a memory care program.
What Types of Services Are Offered in Senior Memory Support?
Once a diagnosis has been made, you will want to consider the level of care your loved one needs. Most memory care programs offer 24-hour supervision by trained caregivers who understand how to work with individuals living with dementia. Assistance with daily living activities is standard, as well as having meals prepared based on each resident’s dietary needs.
More extensive senior memory support programs typically provide specialized services designed specifically to help address the symptoms of dementia as well as enrich the lives of the residents. At Buckner Retirement Services, some of our additional memory support services include:
- Alzheimer’s care
- Dementia care
- Medication management
- Memory-enhancing activities
- Occupational, speech, and physical therapy
- Transportation services
- Housekeeping services
While this may all seem beneficial even at first glance, you must make sure your senior parent feels comfortable and secure before making a decision about entering a memory support program. It is often possible to visit the memory care community so that family members can experience what life in the program would be like for their loved ones first-hand before making a decision. Once you have gathered all of this information and assessed your loved one’s needs carefully, you can make an informed decision about whether or not a memory care program would be right for them.
Learn More About Senior Memory Support With Buckner Retirement Services
If your parent or grandparent has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the compassionate and professional staff at Buckner Retirement Services are here to support your family. Caring for a loved one with dementia can often be exhausting and overwhelming. Getting them into a good memory care community can help ensure that they get the care they truly deserve in their retirement years. Don’t hesitate to call us at 214.227.7182 so we can tell you more about the vibrant, lively community of our memory care program. You can also fill out our online contact form and let us get back to you.