There comes a point in your parent’s life when they can’t live by themselves anymore and need some assistance. When that happens, you want to narrow down and see which option is ideal for them and what will offer proper support. Generally, there are great options to consider, like memory care or assisted living, but which is better for your parents? Here’s how you can make the right choice.

What activities does your parent need help with?

Before you decide what kind of assistance your parents need, it’s essential to narrow down their day-to-day activities. There are six activities of daily living or ADLs (a system developed by Sidney Katz), which include feeding, continence, transferring, toileting, dressing, and bathing. It would help if you saw what activity your parent needs help with and which activity they can’t fulfill.

An excellent way to keep track of these activities is to add a score to them. You can give a “1” for every activity your parent can do and “0” for the activity they can’t perform themselves. If your parent scores a lot of “0”, then that means they need a lot of assistance with daily tasks. However, scoring more “1” than “0” means your parent is still very independent.

Aside from these instrumental, core activities, there are also secondary activities. Things like paying the bills, talking with others, going outside on their own, preparing food, or cleaning the house are crucial here.

When do you know your parent needs memory care?

It’s important to note that 6.2 million seniors in the US have memory issues or Alzheimer’s. Dementia and similar problems can affect your loved one’s life, and memory care can help. But when do you know your loved one needs memory care? Sudden changes to their behavior can be highly challenging, and they can make a huge difference.

Another time you want to think about memory care is when you see that your parents have a physical decline and they start forgetting even the most important things. The same thing can be said when it comes to your parents being constantly confused, which can place their health at risk. Also, incontinence problems can be another sign that your parent needs memory care.

Simply put, memory care can be a proper option if your loved one cannot continue living in their environment without causing harm to themselves or others. Memory care can also be a suggestion that comes from a healthcare provider as well.

The need for assisted living

Seniors with chronic medical conditions can benefit from assisted living. Also, this can be a great option if your parents have dementia and can’t manage their finances appropriately. On top of that, isolation can be very bad for seniors since it can lead to many issues, including depression. An assisted care living establishment can help prevent that.

Another telltale sign that your parent needs assisted living would be poor hygiene. Sometimes, your parents cannot wash their clothes properly, and they skip their grooming habits. When that happens, it’s a sign that assisted living might be the ideal option. The same thing can be said if your parents have a messy living space.

Conclusion

Both memory care and assisted living spaces are extraordinary for any senior that requires extra assistance and support. It’s essential to talk with your loved one, understand their needs and then adapt accordingly. It’s not a simple process, but switching to these services can provide your parents with a way to live a better, healthier, and happier life!

Arthur- Ali E,

Careforages.com