Here Are Three Primary Reasons Memory Care Assisted Living Is So Important for a Senior Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

August 26, 2019 by ·

One of the initial reactions an aging senior might have when first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to remain at home. “I don’t want to spend my last years in a nursing home,” he or she may say. It’s a reasonable reaction, especially for those who are unclear of the various signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and what may happen in the months and years ahead. Memory care assisted living is the best option to consider, though, and there are numerous great reasons why that’s true.

1. It can and often will become overwhelming for family.

Assisted Living Pascagoula, AL: Memory Care Assisted Living

Even though a spouse, adult children, friends, and possibly even neighbors are more than willing to step up and help however they can, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s will progressively get more challenging. This often overwhelms anyone and everyone who is trying to support this senior.
The earlier somebody moves into a memory care assisted living facility, the sooner they become comfortable, especially while they still have the ability to recognize people, remember caregivers and family, and get invested in this new community. It’s not going to get any easier with time; it’s only going to get tougher.

2. Experienced caregivers understand expectations better.
This does not, in any way, intimate that family won’t be understanding. However, the expectations of these various symptoms of the disease can change from one person to the next. For example, a spouse of 55 years may assume there’s no possible way the love of their life is going to start screaming at them, calling them vulgar names, or accusing them of the most horrible things imaginable.

Unfortunately, that is a possibility. This disease affects the brain and it can cause people to say things they don’t mean and would never have uttered otherwise. Experienced staff at memory care assisted living will understand these things can and often do happen and therefore are better prepared to deal with them in a positive, respectful, and patient way.

3. It provides more comfort for the senior, in time.
It may appear as though an elderly person would simply be more comfortable at home for the rest of their life, but as the disease progresses they will likely reach a point when they don’t even recognize their own surroundings, much less the people who love them most.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month and for somebody recently diagnosed with this disease, it’s a good idea that she understands things will always be as they are. They can change and often will, which is why memory care assisted living is a crucial factor to consider while they still have decent mental function and acuity.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Pascagoula, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Pascagoula AL, Memory Care Assisted Living Is So Important for a Senior Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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