Deciding when to seek memory care for a loved one can be a very difficult conversation. Unfortunately, when families put off that conversation, they cause a delay that comes with serious costs – emotional, financial, and physical – profoundly impacting your aging parent and your entire family.
For one thing, consider that cognitive decline is always progressive. Waiting too long can mean missing out on a window where your loved one can still participate in deciding steps for their future.
What are the other risks associated with delaying memory care? How can you and your family be proactive and save time, money, and your family’s well-being? Here’s how you can answer those questions and more to give your aging parent the dignity, respect, and guidance they need in planning for long-term memory care without added stress.
The Risks of Delaying Memory Care
Waiting for a crisis to affect your loved one’s health and force you to plan is dangerous. The consequences of delaying the move to a supportive memory care environment can be far-reaching, impacting safety, relationships, and finances.
Worsening Safety Hazards and Risk
As dementia or Alzheimer’s progresses, the risk of accidents at home increases. Simple memory lapses can put your loved one in dangerous scenarios, like:
- Forgetting to turn off the stove, change carbon monoxide batteries, or mishandle other dangerous appliances.
- Wandering and getting lost, even in their own neighborhoods.
- Mixing up medications, forgetting to take them completely, or even overdosing accidentally.
- Increased risk of falls caused by confusion or impaired coordination.
- Accidents like car or bike crashes, if your loved one usually drives or commutes.
These incidents are not just possibilities – they’re everyday occurrences for people with progressing memory loss. That’s why memory care communities are so crucial, since they’re specifically designed with secure environments, 24/7 supervision, and trained staff to lower these risks and provide safety for your loved one.
The Toll on the Family and Caregiver Health
When a family member takes on the role of primary caregiver, the strain can be immense both physically and emotionally. Caregiver burnout is a serious condition that can lead to everything from exhaustion to stress, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. As a loved one’s cognitive function declines, their needs become more intensive, and caregivers can find themselves overwhelmed.
This intense pressure can put a big strain on family relationships. A spouse may no longer feel like a partner but solely a caregiver. Adult children can experience feelings of guilt and resentment as they try to be full-time caregivers while still managing their own lives, careers, and families. Moving a loved one to a professional care setting can be what families need to return to their original roles as husbands, wives, even children and grandchildren. They get a chance to enjoy the presence of their loved ones in their golden years, rather than just focus on the exhausting tasks of daily care.
The Growing Financial Burden
It might seem counterintuitive, but delaying professional memory care can also be more expensive in the long run. The costs associated with an emergency visit to the hospital, continued rehabilitation after an accident, and housing renovations can add up. Consider these potential expenses:
- Emergency Hospital Stays: Accidents and falls can lead to costly hospital visits and lengthy recovery periods.
- In-Home Care: Hiring private, in-home caregivers can be very expensive, especially if around-the-clock care is needed.
- Home Modifications: Making a home safe for someone with memory issues often requires costly renovations like installing ramps, ADA-approved fixtures, grab bars, and security systems.
In contrast, reputable memory care communities offer predictable, all-inclusive pricing. Monthly costs usually cover housing, meals, specialized care, therapies, and social activities, often providing better financial value and stability over time compared to the unpredictable costs of crisis-driven care.
Plan Ahead and Save Time, Money, and Lives
Being proactive and addressing the need for memory care early gives your loved one the respect and power to be part of the decision-making process. When they can still tell you their wishes for memory care, however big or small, they regain control over their life and can be more accepting of the transition into aging in place.
Waiting until a crisis occurs removes this opportunity. Last-minute decisions brought on by an accident are often rushed and may not reflect what your loved one truly wanted. Early intervention allows for you to thoroughly research, take facility tours, and have a gradual adjustment period. It provides peace of mind, knowing that a plan is in place before it’s urgently needed.
Find a Place to Call Home
Choosing a memory care facility is about finding a community where your loved one can thrive with dignity and support. At Present Moments Senior Living, we offer compassionate, person-centered memory care in a small, residential setting in San Diego.Our residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) is designed to feel like home, providing a comfortable and security along with personalized attention for residents.
If you are starting to explore memory care for your loved one, don’t wait for a crisis to make the decision for you. Taking the first step is the hardest part, but it’s a step toward peace, safety, and a better quality of life for your entire family.
About the Author
Mark Gladden is the Founder and CEO of Present Moments Senior Living, a cozy and comfortable family-run and Veteran-owned assisted living facility in San Diego. As a proud veteran, he understands how important it is to provide quality care for those who have served our country. Mark and his team are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for all their residents, including veterans. For more information, call Present Moments Senior Living today at (442) 232-2824.
