Signs It May Be Time to Consider Memory Care
Deciding when a loved one may need memory care can be difficult. Changes in memory alone don’t necessarily mean someone needs a secured memory care environment. However, when Alzheimer’s disease or another memory-related condition begins affecting safety, daily activities, medication management, or the amount of supervision a person needs, it may be time to explore specialized care.
Evergreen Estates’ Secure Memory Care Unit in Clarkston is specifically designed for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related conditions who require a secure, supportive environment with specialized care.
Signs Your Loved One May Need More Support
Some changes may indicate that it’s time to talk with family members, healthcare providers, and a memory care community about whether additional support is appropriate:
- Daily activities are becoming difficult. If your loved one increasingly needs help with dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, or grooming, a higher level of support may be beneficial.
- Medication management has become challenging. Memory problems can make it harder to consistently follow medication schedules and treatment instructions.
- Safety has become a concern. If cognitive changes make it difficult for your loved one to safely navigate their daily environment, a secured setting may provide greater protection and peace of mind.
- They require more supervision throughout the day or night. Memory-related conditions can eventually require more consistent support than family members can reasonably provide at home.
- Their care needs are becoming more complex. As Alzheimer’s or other memory-related conditions progress, specialized caregivers and an individualized care plan may become increasingly important.
- They would benefit from structured activities and engagement. A memory care environment can provide scheduled activities designed to encourage engagement, well-being, and quality of life.
These signs don’t automatically mean a person needs memory care, but they can be good reasons to have their needs professionally evaluated. Evergreen Estates provides assistance with activities of daily living and medications, individualized care plans, and activities intended to support residents’ quality of life.
When Safety Becomes a Major Concern
One of the biggest differences between standard assisted living and memory care is the environment itself.
Evergreen Estates describes its Memory Care Unit as providing a higher level of specialized care in a fully secured environment, with staff specifically trained in dementia and memory-related conditions.
The unit includes a secure outdoor courtyard, long hallways with space for walking, a centrally located nurse station, and dedicated common areas. These features can be particularly important when cognitive changes mean a loved one requires closer supervision and a more controlled environment.
Assisted Living or Memory Care?
If your parent mainly needs assistance with nutrition, medications, dressing, or bathing but can otherwise live safely in a traditional assisted living environment, assisted living may still be appropriate. Evergreen Estates provides a nursing assessment to determine an individual’s needs and create a personalized assisted living care plan.
Memory care may be a better option when Alzheimer’s disease or another memory-related condition creates a need for specialized dementia care, greater supervision, and a fully secured environment.
What Does Memory Care at Evergreen Estates Provide?
Evergreen Estates’ Secure Memory Care Unit provides 24-hour Certified Nursing Assistants trained in dementia care, supervised by an on-site Registered Nurse. Personalized care plans are developed with input from the resident, family, and medical provider.
Residents receive assistance with dressing, bathing, hygiene, grooming, provider-ordered medications, and routine treatments. The community also provides private apartments, chef-served meals, scheduled activities, housekeeping and laundry services, and dedicated Memory Care common areas.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Explore Memory Care
Families can begin researching memory care before an urgent safety problem occurs. If you’re noticing increasing difficulty with everyday activities, medications, supervision, or safety, learning about available options now can help your family make a more informed decision.
Evergreen Estates’ Secure Memory Care Unit is located at 1215 Evergreen Court in Clarkston, Washington, on the TriState Health Campus, serving families throughout Clarkston, Lewiston, and the Lewis-Clark Valley. Families can schedule a tour and speak with the Evergreen Estates team about their loved one’s individual needs.