At Serenity Gardens, we understand that living at home is the best place to be and most people want to retain their independence as long as possible. That is why we are dedicated to offering the best of both worlds in a home-style assisted living center with a small resident population. How do you know it is time to start considering memory care assisted living as a viable option for your loved one with dementia?
Signs That Assisted Living Should Be Considered:
- Changes in personal hygiene and continence
- Inability to keep up with house chores — laundry, meal preparation, etc.
- They are unsafe when left alone
- Isolation due to inability to drive or forgetfulness
- Forgets where they are going or what they are doing
- Requires assistance with medication, eating, or mobility
Memory care assisted living can help improve mood and health and decrease symptoms of dementia. Dementia care can help slow the progression of cognitive regression and helps your love one live a safe and satisfying life.
How to Talk to Your Loved One About Moving to Assisted Living
Although it may be clear to those on the outside (and, even to your loved one who needs it), making the move to assisted living can be tough. Many people view it as giving up their freedom and independence (although, once they make the transition, they learn just how untrue that is!). Here are a few tips to help you have the discussion.
Be open and honest about your concerns
Come prepared with information and solutions
Offer to take tours just to see if it’s a fit
Highlight the positives — more help, less responsibility, etc.
Let them sleep on it — don’t push for input, response, or decision now
Lead them to the idea on their own
Historically, moving to a facility, or “being put in a home,” was thought of as getting rid of the burden of caring for an elderly loved one. And, your parents may still be stuck in the era of this mentality. However, in the past few decades, long-term care options have evolved into a much more responsive and caring environment that truly is a home.
At Serenity Gardens Assisted Living in Dickinson, your loved one is home when they live here. Our modified house offers all of the amenities of home including children, pets, a yard, and family-style meals. Our small setting and friendly staff allow your loved one to feel well taken care of and a part of our family, comfortably at home, without the hassle of housekeeping! We invite you and your family to come to tour our assisted living.