How to know when to consider a memory care facility for your loved one

May 17, 2022

As our loved ones get older, doing daily tasks and remembering things become more and more challenging. Eventually, it might reach a point where getting professional help becomes a must.

One in nine people aged 45 or older report confusion or memory loss according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than half of those with memory loss not being able to seek professional health support.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time for a memory care facility for your aging loved one, our team at Sage House Senior Care has put together a list of common signs that your loved one might need to be enrolled in a memory care facility.

Disorganized house

Check your loved one’s living conditions. A disorganized living space is often a sign of memory problems, especially for aging individuals. Check if the pantry is filled with supplies, if there’s spoiled food in the fridge, trash that’s piling up, or unpaid bills.

Chances are if your loved one has started to abandon chores or has become forgetful in paying bills, it’s time for a memory care facility.

Frequent wandering

One of the most dangerous and telling signs that it’s time for a memory care facility is when your loved one starts wandering about every so often. Pay more attention to their behavior. Are there moments when your loved one walks around and ends up confused about their location? Do they often ask where they are or how they got there?

Wandering poses a great risk to your loved one’s safety since they could end up lost, or worse, they could be harmed or taken advantage of.

As one of the leading memory care facilities in Phoenix, AZ, Sage House Senior Care maintains a 5:1 resident to staff ratio to ensure there’s always help and support whenever your loved one needs it.

Poor hygiene

It’s time for a memory care facility when your loved one’s memory woes have progressed to include forgetting personal hygiene.

Pay attention to their appearance or if you’re familiar with their personal care routine, check if they have stopped doing things such as getting their nails done or getting hair treatments. When was the last time that your loved one took a bath? Brushed his or her teeth?

Poor hygiene can also make your loved one prone to bacterial and viral infections and diseases so if you notice a deterioration in personal hygiene, it may be time to consider a memory care facility.