Families often consider moving a loved one or family member to assisted living when they are initially diagnosed with dementia or some other age-related issue. Naturally, the person in question raises emotionally based arguments to making a move and will vehemently object so the family will postpone the decision.
Sooner than later, a crisis will likely occur that spurs the family back to a more earnest exploration of supportive living arrangements but often, there is recovery after the crisis that will postpone a decision once again.
In the case of memory loss, there are many issues that must be addressed, not the least of which are physical safety, lack of judgment, proper nutrition and hydration, adherence to prescription medication dosing and schedules, and personal hygiene. As a person’s cognitive functioning and memory decline, they often find ways to hide their failing ability to handle routine tasks such as paying bills, housekeeping, transportation, and home maintenance. Families are usually first alerted to a looming problem when they visit and discover food is not fresh, mail has piled up, or checks begin to bounce.
The logical time to move to assisted living is before a crisis. In the case of dementia or a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, the right time to seek supportive living is while the person is able to participate in the process of choosing the right place, giving input into what things are important to take with them, and expresses their preferences about how to structure their care and environment. Getting to know their new home and accept it as their home takes some time but families are, more often than not, amazed at how quickly they adapt, learn their new routine, make new friends, and come to consider their assisted living as comforting and supportive.
Supportive living arrangements allow families to enjoy quality time together instead of only being focused on the safety, security, and well being of their loved ones. Call Woodland Ridge to discuss your options and see what is available to help your loved one enjoy a higher quality of life in a supportive living environment.
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