An Aging Parent with Dementia May Do Well at Memory Care Assisted Living

February 12, 2020 by ·

There are many difficult challenges people face as they get older. One of those could very well be witnessing your aging mother or father deal with the impact of dementia. Perhaps one of them was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

There are numerous misconceptions about Alzheimer’s, but regardless of all the external noise surrounding the term, there is no cure, it is considered terminal, and one of the most significant challenges involves memory loss.

When you have an aging parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a different type of dementia, you want them to be safe. It may seem reasonable to keep them home, but eventually -even with their spouse, your support, and the assistance of neighbors and friends- the challenges and struggles will increase.

In most cases those challenges far exceed the ability of even the most determined and supportive family and friends to support. That’s where memory care assisted living comes into play.

What is memory care assisted living?

Assisted Living Citronelle, AL: Memory Care Living and Seniors

This is one of the most effective ways to support an aging senior who has been diagnosed with some form of dementia. These facilities are staffed with individuals who have direct experience supporting seniors dealing with a variety of symptoms associated with dementia.

Many of these memory care assisted living facilities also provide activities that help to stimulate neural activity. In other words, the more mentally active and engaged a person is in their daily routines, the more beneficial it might be when diagnosed with dementia.

In fact, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, some studies indicate that memory loss can be slowed down by mental stimulation early in the disease’s progression. This doesn’t mean there’s a cure or even an indication of a cure on the horizon, but this type of research does highlight the value of surrounding oneself with the right support.

When is the ideal time to choose memory care assisted living?

Any time after formal diagnosis. No one should self-diagnose or assume they know that their elderly mother or father or somebody else they love is dealing with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Only a trained and licensed medical professional can properly diagnose dementia.

Memory related issues can be caused by numerous factors, not the least of which is a side effect of certain prescription medications.

But, when somebody is formally diagnosed with dementia, they should consider assisted living for their future. The longer they wait, the more difficult the transition could be, especially as memory loss progresses and they become more confused about their surroundings, which can lead to increased anxiety and other issues.

 

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Citronelle AL, Memory Care Living and Seniors · 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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