When Should Someone with Dementia Go into a Care Home?

The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that the vast majority of adults (88%) between ages 50 and 80 feel it is very important to age at home as long as possible. The problem is that oftentimes, seniors don't have a clear definition of when that possibility is over.

When you add compounding circumstances like dementia into the equation, it's often up to family members to make that choice. When should someone with dementia go into a care home? How can you make transitioning to care homes easier?

We know that senior care decisions are difficult to make, and we're here to help. Read on for our guide to dementia care options and when to pursue them.

What Dementia Care Options Are There?

Individuals with dementia require specialized care. Not only do they typically need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), but they also benefit from research-backed activities and support such as:

• Cognitive enhancement games
• Social time with a variety of people
• Increased safety and security measures

In other words, basic assisted living may not be enough. It's best to look for specialized memory care programs.

When Should Someone with Dementia Go into a Care Home?

Whether or not you're met with resistance, it's not always easy to see that your loved one needs professional care. Here are some of the top signs that it's time to pursue a dementia care home.

Changes in Cognitive Abilities

The National Institute on Aging offers a useful overview of the differences between normal aging and dementia. For example, while it's normal for seniors to occasionally forget a due date or name, it's not normal to forget about every bill or appointment. A significant change in cognitive abilities can leave seniors unable to care for themselves properly.

Increased Struggle with ADLs

You're likely to notice the connection between memory and self-care in relation to activities of daily living (ADLs) such as:

• Bathing and grooming
• Dressing
• Cooking and eating
• Cleaning and managing the house
• Taking medications as prescribed

Without being able to fulfill these basic tasks, a senior's health can suffer. Because many of these tasks are daily requirements, it's often best to have professional caregivers step in.

Security and Safety Concerns

Has your loved one taken a walk and gotten lost in their neighborhood or left a burner on for longer than intended? In addition to memory loss, dementia can lead to confusion and loss of linear thinking. Without appropriate supervision, your loved one's security and safety may be at stake.

Caregiver Burnout

Your loved one's well-being isn't the only thing to consider when deciding to pursue memory care services. According to the Cleveland Clinic, caregiver burnout can have serious health and wellness consequences. As your loved one's needs begin to require more time and effort, it is not only possible but encouraged to add professionals to their care team.

Doctor Recommendations

When you're dealing with a multifaceted disorder like dementia, we recommend bringing your loved one's doctor into the conversation. Many memory care communities do require a formal diagnosis before they can offer memory care. Doctor recommendations can also make it easier to use insurance to cover a portion of the related costs.

How Can You Make Transitions Easier for Dementia Patients?

Now that you have an answer to the question, "When should someone with dementia go into a care home?" it's time to think about the next steps. Here are a few tips to help your loved one transition from at-home to memory care living.

Aim for an Early Transition

Many dementia patients see an increase in short-term memory loss as the disease progresses. We find that individuals who seek memory care services when they have early to moderate dementia have an easier time transitioning. This is because they are less confused day-to-day about where they are.

Familiarize Yourself

No matter how advanced your loved one's dementia is, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the memory care community they'll be joining. That way, you're prepared to answer any questions or concerns your loved one has. Plus, professional caregivers love getting to know the family members of their residents and fostering ongoing communication.

Involve Your Loved One

If your loved one still retains some of their short-term memory, we encourage you to talk to them about the move to memory care before it occurs. Keep the conversations short and positive, focusing on the benefits (like great food or living closer to family). If your loved one isn't able to remember where they are going or why, talk to their future caregivers about the best way to proceed.

Bring Comfort Items

In most memory care communities, residents have their own private apartments. Make sure to bring at least a few familiar items to decorate your loved one's apartment with. For example, hang family photos on the walls or cover the bed with a favorite blanket.

Visit Often

In the first several months, we encourage family members to visit their loved ones in memory care at least once a week. Your presence can have a calming effect while your loved one adjusts to their new environment. Practice patience, as it can take weeks or even months before your loved one starts to recognize the benefits of their new home.

Seek Dementia Care Options

When should someone with dementia go into a care home? While this answer may look different for every family, one thing remains the same: finding the right care option is imperative.