Alzheimer’s Patients in Assisted Living Facilities
There is a significant amount of recent cases and stories that show assisted living facilities can provide a better and more holistic level of care for residents than home health care and nursing homes.
The facilities are so successful because they provide a well-rounded system of care and make residents feel like they are comfortable and safe. These facilities aim to feel more like a home than an institution. Their programs are centered more on the mental, emotional, and psychological needs of their patients through fun, interactive, and helpful activities.
Through this kind of approach, residents or patients are able to find significant value within their lives despite the assisted living conditions. This has a positive effect on their health and well-being which eventually increases their total life expectancy.
In this piece, we discuss the advantages of why an assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is a better choice of care than nursing homes. Also, we will explore the factors that help families determine when is the right time to move our elderly family members to these communities.
Why Assisted Living is the Better Choice
Assisted living is a great choice of facility for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Standard home health care is an option, but assisted living puts greater focus on programs and activities that are within the scope of memory care.
Assisted living facilities emphasize freedom and try to build up their residents’ independence while also providing patients with the essential level of the care that they need.
It is important to be aware of the warning signs that could indicate it is time to move to an assisted living facility. When you are aware of these signs, it can be easier to identify them in elderly people.
Knowing the Signs
Deciding to move a family member to an assisted living facility or community is never an easy one. When their situation or conditions become very hard to handle at home, it may be a good time to consider moving them into one.
Many families would still prefer to take personal responsibility in caring for their elderly family members. However, there are times when their current state needs the care and attention of a professional.
When families realize this, an assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is the best choice. Here are some tell-tale signs to identify if it’s the right time to move a family member for assisted living.
Safety – When a family’s home becomes a hazard for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s time to consider moving them to assisted living where it’s safer and more monitored.
Sundowning – Sundowning is a term that describes patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s episodes of increased memory loss, anger, agitation, and confusion.
Wandering – Due to their memory loss, they often find themselves wandering out of nowhere. This can truly be a hazard to them and increase their chances of getting lost, or worse, incur injuries and accidents.
Increased Care Needs – Finally, the more Alzheimer’s disease and dementia progress, the more it can turn for the worst. As their conditions worsen, the greater their need for professional care becomes.
Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco
