Deciding when to transition a loved one into memory care is rooted in preserving their overall health, well-being, and safety.

Although there’s no quantifiable “right time” for memory care, here are 8 signs to look for that may suggest a loved one will benefit from the specialized and professional support it provides: 

• Increasing safety concerns
• Difficulty managing daily tasks
• A rapid decline in health
• Increasing emotional or behavioral changes 
• Increasing forgetfulness
• Lack of socialization
• Increased complexity of care needs
• Chronic caregiver burnout

Ultimately, the safety and well-being of your loved one are at the forefront of this decision. The earlier you identify the signs, the smoother the transition can be. 

8 Signs that Suggest It’s Time for Memory Care

Memory care offers a holistic approach to meet the unique needs of those experiencing varying stages of cognitive decline.

In the conditions’ early stages, many people may continue living independently with little to no risk for their overall well-being or the wellness of others. 

However, cognitive decline’s progressive nature means symptoms worsen over time, often in ways that can outpace the level of care that family members can provide at home. Memory care aims to support these concerns. 

1. Increasing Safety Concerns 

Concern for your loved one’s safety and that of others is a significant indicator that it may be time for memory care. These signs can include: 

• Wandering
• Leaving appliances off
• Misjudging steps
• Forgetting where they are

Although forgetfulness is a common symptom of cognitive decline, leaving these concerns unaddressed poses a risk to your loved one’s safety. 

Memory care is equipped to handle these safety concerns with favorable floorplans, ongoing emergency systems, and trained staff to prevent accidents and wandering.

2. Difficulty Managing Daily Activities 

Struggling to carry out once simple daily chores, like cooking, cleaning, and personal grooming is another sign it might be time for memory care.

Because of this increasing difficulty, your loved one may skip meals, wear the same clothes for several days, or leave basic tasks unfinished, which could highlight their growing need for specialized attention. 

Our dedicated memory care team provides 24/7 support for daily living activities (ADLs), including personal hygiene and medication management. We strive to offer assistance when needed while encouraging residents to maintain their independence whenever possible.

3. A Rapid Decline in Health 

Cognitive decline often impacts physical health, too. Your loved one may start forgetting medications, missing doctor’s appointments, or exhibiting signs of poor nutrition.

A decline in health could also be shown through: 

• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent illnesses
• Worsening chronic conditions. 

In memory care, we focus on addressing residents’ physical and cognitive health needs by verifying medications are taken correctly and through balanced diets and regular wellness checkups. 

4. Increasing Emotional or Behavioral Changes 

Cognitive decline affects regions of the brain responsible for memory and reasoning. It often becomes more difficult for people to express their needs or understand their environment, leading to frustration or fear. 

This emotional strain can manifest in behavioral changes like irritability, aggression, depression, restlessness, or even withdrawn behavior from people or activities they once loved.  

To address these concerns, memory care staff are trained to handle these unique emotional challenges by offering comfort and compassion and encouraging residents to participate in activities to foster social connection with others. 

Personalized daily care plans, specialized therapies, and social opportunities help manage emotions and reduce distress. 

5. Increasing Forgetfulness that Poses Risk 

Cognitive decline is more than just occasional forgetfulness. It’s a progressive disease that damages regions in the brain, disrupting a person’s ability to reason, assess risk, and recall information.

Signs like forgetting names, places, or recent events can signal more serious cognitive issues. 

Over time, this can lead to disorientation, missed responsibilities, or even dangerous outcomes, such as wandering into unfamiliar places or failing to recall life-saving details. 

Memory care helps residents manage these risks by creating an environment that minimizes the downsides of forgetfulness, through: 

• Daily care plans
• Memory-focused activities
• Round-the-clock monitoring

6. Lack of Socialization 

Isolation can significantly worsen symptoms of cognitive decline. Yet people with this condition often withdraw from friends and family or lose the ability to maintain social connections, because it becomes increasingly challenging to communicate or understand others.  

A lack of social connection can lead to loneliness and depression, affecting a person’s overall well-being.

Maintaining social connections and participating in engaging activities can stimulate cognitive function. Memory care fosters a sense of belonging with social activities, group engagements, and a compassionate environment where residents feel accepted and valued.

7. Increased Complexity of Care Needs 

When your loved one’s memory care needs exceed what you can reasonably provide at home—whether due to time limitations, expertise, or physical demands—it’s time to consider professional help. 

Attempting to meet complex care requirements at home may lead to medical complications or caregiver injury. 

Memory care is a professional community equipped to handle advanced cognitive challenges. 

Staff members have the knowledge, tools, and resources to provide quality care in a safe environment designed to meet residents’ evolving care needs, offering families peace of mind. 

8. Chronic Caregiver Burnout 

Caring for a loved one is rewarding but not without its responsibilities and challenges.

It takes a village to care for a loved one, and one person can’t safely do it all. If you’re feeling physically exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, or like you’re losing your sense of self, it’s time to prioritize your well-being. 

Burnout harms not just yourself, but also the level of care you can provide your loved one. 

The skilled care we can provide our residents in memory care is possible because of the incredible teamwork of our dedicated team. Seeking help from memory care is a proactive step toward verifying your loved one receives the care they need while allowing you to regain your sense of self. 

We’re Here to Support 

Transitioning your loved one into memory care is rooted in concern for their safety and well-being. 

Our team at NorBella Senior Living is here to provide your loved one with the personalized care they need. Connect with us to schedule a tour of our memory care community.