Facing the Extremely Difficult Decision of Moving Mom (Who Has Alzheimer’s) to a Memory Care Assisted Living Facility

June 2, 2020 by ·

When your mother was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it was probably a devastating moment. Yes, the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s were likely present for at least a year or more before she was formally diagnosed, and even though you and her were both thinking and worrying about it, hearing that news is often a significant blow to a person’s life. 

In the years since, you were determined to help her stay at home, take care of herself, and be safe. With the help of your father, some other family, and maybe a few friends, things have gone along well enough, for the most part. 

However, in recent months you’ve grown worried about her safety and whether or not this is truly the right thing to do at this stage of the disease’s progression. 

 

But she wanted to remain home the rest for life.

Assisted Living Pascagoula, AL: Alzheimer’s and Assisted Living

When she was initially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, your mother may have expressed a strong desire to be home and not be “placed in a facility.” There are numerous misconceptions about what assisted living can offer, and maybe your mother never had a clue that some are specifically designed as memory care facilities. 

Either way, though, the challenges your mother is facing at this point in her life have become too much for you and the rest of your family. The risk of wandering, the belligerence and hostility, the intense fear and anxiety are all wearing you out. 

 

Memory care assisted living is ideal for those with Alzheimer’s. 

There are different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being one of them. As the memory loss becomes more significant, your mother requires more diligent, around-the-clock, experienced support. 

That’s what memory care assisted living offers. It provides around-the-clock support for residents who are grappling with some type of memory related challenge. 

As the disease continues to progress, your mother’s memories will become more fleeting. It may reach a point when she doesn’t recognize you or anyone else in her life any longer. 

She needs to be in a place where she can be more comfortable, relaxed, and supported during those moments she needs it most. Even if you’re not working at the moment, you are unlikely to be there for her every minute of every day. Nor should you have to be, not with this option available. 

Yes, this can feel like an extremely difficult decision, but when you fully understand the benefits that a memory care assisted living facility can offer, you’ll likely realize it truly is the best option. 

 

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

Filed Under: Alzheimer’s and Assisted Living, Assisted Living in Pascagoula AL · 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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