Although Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are common among older adults, these cognitive illnesses can make it difficult for seniors to keep up with their errands, maintain a routine, or otherwise care for themselves. As these diseases progress, many doctors will advise patients and their families to consider memory care. Memory care helps treat the specific needs of seniors living with cognitive decline while helping to mitigate many of the symptoms. To learn more about this type of care, consult the helpful guide below.

Everything You Need to Know About Memory Care

When to Seek Care

No two cases of Alzheimer’s or dementia are alike, and the rate of progression can vary greatly from one individual to another. However, even with these differences, there are still symptoms which are common to all patients who need memory care. As the condition progresses, you may find they have trouble remembering recent conversations or keeping up with everyday tasks such as cooking or showering. These instances will typically increase in frequency, and there may come a time when they no longer recognize certain friends or relatives, even if they have known each other for many years.

How to Approach the Conversation

As your loved one’s condition becomes more serious, you will have to decide whether or not to enter them into memory care. Depending on the severity of their case, this may mean visiting a psychiatrist on a routine basis or finding a nursing home where they will receive the appropriate, around-the-clock care. Once you have come to a decision, sit down with your loved one and discuss the situation with them. Explain why they need this type of care and how you feel it could benefit them. Ask for their input and opinion, and try to include them in the process as much as possible.

Housing Options

Familiarity and stability are important for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. As such, do your best to keep your loved one at home for as long as possible with the help of a family member or home health aide. However, as their condition progresses, you may need to enter them into an assisted living community or nursing home. Regardless of their housing situation, however, it is important to ensure your loved one will receive the care they need at all times.

If you are interested in providing your loved one with the best memory care in Austin, TX, turn to the compassionate team at Longhorn Village. This local retirement home offers senior housing options for both short- and long-term care. Their staff specializes in patients living with a number of health concerns, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. To learn more about their services, visit them online, and call (512) 266-5600 today to schedule a tour.