Hundreds of senior citizens are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias every year. When this happens, many relatives and decision-makers decide on memory care for their loved ones. Alzheimer’s and memory care is a way for your seniors to enjoy all the comforts and joys of life while being attended to regularly by a compassionate caregiver who can help them manage routine tasks and duties.
While deciding on senior memory care isn’t always an easy decision, some things can be done to make the transition a happy one. Serenity Home Care has been helping people in the Beaverton, Oregon area, including Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties, for nearly 25 years. As the Portland metropolitan area’s trusted source for in-home companion services, we will help you understand how best to deal with your loved one’s transition to memory care and how to keep making beautiful memories.
When to Consider Memory Care
It can be difficult to know when memory or Alzheimer’s care is the right choice for your senior loved one. An individual might be a good candidate for memory care services if they start to ignore personal hygiene and forget important appointments or tasks, such as forgetting to take medications.
Seniors who could benefit from memory care typically struggle with daily routines and might even take to wandering, which can be extremely dangerous. If any of these things start to happen, it might be time to consider memory care. Alzheimer’s memory care provides 24/7 support for your senior loved one, helping them to continue their daily routine and keep spending time with their friends and family.
Think of Meaningful Activities to Do Together
Visiting a loved one who is in memory care might seem intimidating at first. Still, it is important to remember that your loved one is the same person that they have always been, even if they are starting to exhibit some signs of memory loss. Before each visit, it’s a good idea to think of meaningful, simple activities to do together. These could include light arts and crafts projects or baking a simple recipe in the kitchen. Bringing some familiar or favorite objects, such as a photo album, could offer additional opportunities for connection and warmth.
Appreciate Quiet Moments
Sometimes, your senior loved one in memory care might not have much to say. They might not even want to participate in any planned activity or event that you have coordinated. If this happens, remember that seniors have good days and bad days, just like anyone else, and it is perfectly acceptable just to sit in silence and enjoy a moment of calm together. Appreciating the peace can be relaxing and provide both of you with a nice way to connect.
Keep Visiting Your Loved One
Alzheimer’s memory care services will help keep your senior relative comfortable and safe, even as symptoms might progress. During every step of the journey, it’s a good idea to keep visiting your loved one. If you have an established routine in place, such as regular visits every weekend, try to stick to that routine as much as possible. Your senior loved one might not be able to recognize or identify you during the later stages of dementia-related illness or conditions, but they will likely recognize the emotions attached to your presence.
Serenity Home Care Provides Comprehensive Homecare
Compassionate care services can make all the difference when navigating the new normal of dementia or an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. When you need premier in-home care services for your senior loved one, turn to Serenity Home Care. As the Portland, OR, area’s top provider of companion care and home health care services, Serenity Home Care has the expertise you need to not only keep your senior relative safe and happy but make the journey through Alzheimer’s memory care easier.
From housekeeping and companionship services to medication and nursing services designed to promote long-term comfort, Serenity Home Care can work with residents in and around the Beaverton, OR, area to create the perfect customized care plan for seniors. Contact us today to learn more about the senior memory care services we offer.
