Seeing a loved one struggle with memory loss can be confusing and challenging for everyone involved, including caregivers. If you notice changes such as increased forgetfulness, difficulties with personal care, and social withdrawal in your older loved one, it may be time to consider extra professional help. Caregivers may also want to consider personal care when the task of caring for their loved one becomes overwhelming.
At the end of the day, you want what’s best for your loved one. That means a personal care community with around-the-clock support, an appealing range of services and amenities, and enjoyable activities that can alleviate caregiver stress while serving the needs of a loved one with a memory condition.
What Is Personal Care?
personal care is a unique type of long-term care designed for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions.
personal care communities often emphasize safety, structure with set routines and a rich schedule of events and activities. These communities are designed with the needs of residents with memory conditions in mind—and that includes both physical and emotional needs.
For example, our staff at Barton House Louisville undergo comprehensive training so that we can serve our residents with empathy and respect.
When to Consider personal care
There are no hard-and-fast rules about when a person should make the transition to personal care. However, if you notice your loved one exhibiting any of the following signs of memory impairment, talk to your healthcare team about care options. A more supportive and professional environment can alleviate caregiver stress too.
#1: Increased Forgetfulness
Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but when memory loss begins affecting day-to-day activities, this can indicate a deeper problem.
The middle stage of Alzheimer’s can include difficulty with remembering personal information such as addresses, telephone numbers, and the school or college that a person once attended. Late stages of Alzheimer’s may also include forgetting recent experiences and being disoriented by one’s surroundings; at this point, full-time care (either at home or at a personal care community) is usually necessary.
#2: Difficulty with Personal Care
Trouble keeping up with self-care (such as hygiene) and personal appointments is another sign that it’s time to consider personal care. A person living with dementia may forget to do household chores, may have difficulty with bathing and dressing, or may forget to take their medications or attend doctor appointments.
The extra support in a personal care community may be helpful in these circumstances.
#3: Withdrawal from Social Activities
Your loved one may withdraw from social activities, hobbies, or work as their dementia progresses. One advantage of living in a personal care community is the social activities available—many communities have a rich daily schedule designed to serve those with personal care needs.
Barton House Louisville offers a wide variety of activities, from spiritual devotions on Sundays to golf and games, and even Quiet Time.
#4: Confusion About Time or Place
Disorientation is a typical symptom of dementia. In earlier stages, this may mean forgetting a date or name only to remember it later; at later stages, a person may even become confused about the day of the week or their surroundings.
#5: Safety Is a Concern
Confusion about time and place can result in potential dangers like becoming lost in familiar places. Individuals with dementia may also forget they left the stove on and wander off. When safety is a concern, the safety measures of a personal care community with 24-hour staff may be appropriate.
#6: Difficulty Communicating
People in earlier stages of Alzheimer’s may forget names or have trouble coming up with the right word. People in the late stages of Alzheimer’s may be unable to participate in conversation or react to their environment. They may also have trouble with movement such as walking, sitting, and swallowing. At this stage, 24-hour support with daily tasks may be appropriate. But even though conversations and activities can be difficult, people at this stage can still enjoy socializing, music, and human touch.
#7: Caregiver Burnout
The physical and mental health of caregivers should also be taken into account. Caregivers may feel shame for not being able to take care of a loved one all by themselves. But sometimes, extra help is appropriate.
The advantage of personal care is that knowledgeable professionals can take care of the day-to-day tasks that lead to stress. Meanwhile, loved ones can focus their time and energy on each other.
Personal Care at Barton House Louisville
If you notice these signals in your loved one, it might be time to explore personal care options.
At Barton House Louisville, our goal is to help your loved one live with dignity despite the challenges of memory conditions. With Through Their Eyes, we center the perspective of your loved one; instead of forcing residents to live in “our” world (which can be stressful), we prioritize residents’ needs, wellness, and dignity. For example, we use lighting, colors, and layouts that make it easier for people with memory loss to navigate their home.
Book a tour today to learn more about how our community can help you and your loved one.