How to know when it’s time to make the transition
Proveer at Northgate is a senior living community in Houston, Texas. Their Cherish Memory Care program is designed to help seniors struggling with dementia to live fulfilling lives.
When will I need to look into memory care?
If your spouse or parent is often confused or has difficulty remembering even familiar things like words, places, or people, to the point that it is interfering with their quality of life, it may be time to start looking into a memory care community.
Memory care communities are typically designed for people with mid- to late-stage dementia. If you have noticed any of these things about your loved one, please consider reaching out to get more information.
- Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis – Forgetfulness is a natural part of life, especially as you age, but a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia means there is something more serious going on, and you can expect it to continue and worsen as time passes.
- Declining physical health – You may notice that they are becoming weaker or losing weight, possibly from forgetting to take medications or buy groceries. As dementia progresses, patients will need increasingly more assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and perhaps even toileting. Some may even become incontinent. Eventually they will no longer be able to complete self-care tasks independently.
- Safety concerns – Seniors with dementia can be a safety risk to themselves as well as others. They are prone to forgetting where they are, even in what should be familiar surroundings. They may also forget the rules of motor vehicle operation, making it necessary to take away the car keys. And even without access to a vehicle, they may simply wander out the front door.
- Lack of social life – When a senior has dementia, they are less independent and able to seek social interaction. Social activity is important for slowing the progression of dementia, and lack of it can actually make the condition worse.
- Difficulty communicating – Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to communicate your wants and needs, and there may come a time when your loved one can no longer do that. You are left to guess at what they are trying to tell you or what they may need. It becomes frustrating for you as the caregiver as well.
- Caregiver stress – You are only one person and only a human being. Dementia patients need increasingly more assistance and supervision as the disease progresses. And even with part-time in-home care, this can lead to burnout. And you know the old saying, You can’t pour from an empty cup. You have to do what is best for you as well.
What is dementia?
According to the CDC, dementia is the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions, which interferes with everyday life. The most well-known type of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 60-80% of people suffering from dementia are specifically suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.
Although everyone becomes forgetful at some point, when it makes life difficult on a regular basis, something more concerning may be happening. It not only affects memory, but can eventually lead to inability to communicate, solve problems, or complete tasks independently.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a residential community designed for seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Residents receive assistance with activities of daily living as they would in an assisted living community, but a memory care community features enhanced safety measures and a team of associates specialized in supporting seniors with memory loss.
What is Cherish Memory Care program?
With Proveer at Northgate, we offer specialized programming called Cherish Memory Care. It is designed to provide exceptional care and support to residents who are struggling with memory loss and their families.
- Personalized – We understand that everyone is unique and has unique needs. We take the time to get to know you as an individual and your family so that we can provide an individualized experience that makes you feel at home.
- Engaging – An engaging lifestyle is an important element to slowing the progression of dementia. We provide a structured environment full of opportunities to use their skills as well as have new experiences and opportunities for socialization.
- Meaningful – With Proveer at Northgate, we take a holistic approach to care. We work in tandem with families to create a plan of care that works best for the well-being of the whole person, from mental to physical to emotional. We seek to create meaningful experiences for our residents that promote socialization, cognitive functioning, and physical fitness.
- Innovative – Technology is advancing all the time, and we work hard to stay on top of it. We use the latest technology and therapeutic approaches to support our residents and give them hope for the future.
- Cost-effective – And as an extra peace of mind, Cherish Memory Care won’t break the bank, but you are always guaranteed your loved one will get the best care available.
Proveer at Northgate is here to help
Coping with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a difficult experience for everyone involved, but it doesn’t have to be.
