If your loved one is reluctant to move into an assisted living facility that provides memory care, they are not alone. It's very common for older adults to dislike the idea of a nursing home. However, sometimes assisted living is the best choice for everyone's safety, health, and wellbeing. Here are three things you can do to convince your loved one to move into a memory care facility.
1. Introduce the concept early.
Dementia is a progressive illness, which means it worsens over time. Initially, the symptoms may be barely noticeable. Your loved one may be slightly more forgetful. They may have trouble recalling names, dates, or certain events but retain most of their mental acuity. This is an excellent time to broach the topic of memory care. Your loved one may be reluctant to discuss the topic because they don't need living assistance yet. However, ideally, you should start the conversation when your loved one is still cognizant and able to participate fully in the discussion.
2. Bring up the positive personal benefits.
Your loved one may actually be happier living in a memory care facility. These assisted living facilities are designed to allow residents as much freedom as possible while still keeping them safe. People in less advanced stages of dementia may be able to live mostly independently. The only difference is that they'll have staff members nearby to provide assistance if necessary. People with more severe dementia need closer supervision. Memory care facilities are designed to prevent residents from wandering off and getting lost or agitated. Daily routines are provided, which can help residents feel calmer and safer.
3. Talk about the benefits for you personally.
If your loved one is still skeptical about the idea of living in a memory care facility, feel free to bring up the benefits it will have on you and the rest of the family. This idea may make you feel guilty. After all, you don't want to make your loved one feel bad about their illness. However, caretaker fatigue is a very real issue. People who care for ailing family members full-time are more likely to succumb to depression themselves. Your loved one cares about you. Help them see that memory care is in everyone's best interests.
Bringing up assisted living can be difficult. However, memory care can be a very positive thing in the lives of you and your loved one. These tips will help you bring up the topic with sensitivity and care.
To learn more, contact a facility that offers memory care.
Older adults sometimes see nursing care as an all-or-nothing scenario. They assume they are either at home living independently, or they are in a nursing home where everything is done for them. This is not really the case, however. There are plenty of in-between options for older adults who need some care, but who may not need full nursing assistance yet. Assisted living centers allow this flexibility. Your older loved one can simply have their meals provided for them, or they can have around-the-clock care — or somewhere in-between. We invite you to explore the content provided to learn more.