As family members age, their physical and cognitive health can decline. Many people require care to continue living independently or with minimal assistance. Memory care is long-term care that especially supports aging adults facing memory issues, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
As the population of elderly citizens and those requiring memory care grows, more families across the nation are beginning to look for ways to support their aging parents when it comes time for them to move into a long-term supportive environment like memory care communities. Here are six main ways to support aging parents or loved ones if they gain admission into one of these specialized dwellings.
Have a Conversation
Having a conversation about memory care living is one of the main ways to support aging parents. It can be a difficult but necessary discussion that requires both honesty and sensitivity from all parties. The goal is to make sure everyone involved has all the information and resources necessary for a successful transition into memory care.
Such topics may include memory loss, medical issues, managing finances, and legal matters. Most importantly, it’s important to understand that memory care is designed to aid in memory loss, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. Having this type of conversation with aging parents is essential in providing them with the support they need during this challenging time.
Understand the Memory Care Center
Familiarizing with the memory care in Redlands, CA, is another step towards providing the best possible care. Staying up-to-date on memory care communities and programs available to loved ones is key, as is understanding other specialized activities designed specifically to promote memory retention.
Taking time to get to know the staff and keeping an open line of communication with them will make the situation feel more comfortable while navigating memory care. Remembering memory care can be a positive journey for an individual and their aging parent; staying informed on programs and services offered at memory care centers will ensure it is.
Be Involved in Their Care
Another key way to support aging parents in a senior living community is to be actively involved in their care. Utilizing the resources of the living community, such as attending doctor appointments or talking with their center assistants and doctors about what treatments would work best for them, can help ensure that the parents are receiving the highest quality of care and attention possible.
Additionally, taking every opportunity to answer questions from the senior living staff looking after them will help create an individualized care plan tailored to the parent’s needs. Taking an active role in their care is a great way to advocate for the parents and show them how much children love and care for them.
Be a Good Advocate
This involves staying informed of the daily changes in health and communicating this information with physicians and healthcare professionals to ensure your parent’s well-being. It also encompasses advocating for maximum accessibility to care, medicines, and services either verbally or through writing letters, emails, or phone calls.
An excellent advocate will have the patience and fortitude to organize all necessary paperwork and fill out numerous needed forms for an older adult living in a memory care community. Taking the initiative to assist with these time-consuming tasks can reduce stress on older adults and family members.
Be Supportive
Ask them how they’re regularly doing and listen. Reminisce on their past lives with fondness and provide emotional support during difficult times – this will show the parents that you deeply care about how they are feeling. Understanding their unique situation and expressing empathy is also key to supporting the aging parents as fully as possible. Showing appreciation for their life experiences reminds them that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Be Patient
Finally, elderly adults can often be confused and upset as they struggle with forgetting memories. It’s vital to offer support that is understanding and free from judgment. Taking care of a loved one with memory issues can be overwhelming for both parties; patience is essential for coping with the changes and addressing their needs.
Caring for elderly parents with memory issues can be difficult, but it is possible to provide the best care possible. By staying informed about the senior living and programs available, being actively involved in their care, advocating for maximum accessibility to necessary services, offering emotional support, and demonstrating patience during difficult times – family members can help their aging parents and ensure they live a safe and happy life.
At Summerfield of Redlands in Redlands, CA, we are a beautifully furnished assisted living community offering studios and shared suites, and a wealth of amenities so you can feel right at home. Contact us today to find out more.