January Is the Busiest Month for Making the Move to Residential Memory Care
Irving, TX (PRWEB) January 26, 2016 -- January is the peak month each year for families making inquiries about senior living options, according to Autumn Leaves, a national leader in residential memory care. The reason? Holiday visits often reveal when loved ones can no longer care for themselves.
Possible signs include forgetfulness, such as struggling to think of the right words or family members’ names, acting unusually quiet and withdrawn, being easily overwhelmed with holiday activities or having major difficulties with daily chores like dressing, cooking and cleaning.
“Oftentimes, early signs of dementia go unnoticed during day-to-day routines, but the holiday season’s hectic pace and disrupted schedules tend to bring symptoms to the surface,” said Autumn Leaves Vice President of Health and Wellness Lynette Choplin, RN. “The realization that a loved one may need residential care can be painful, but having the right information while making the decision can ease the process.”
Choplin offers the following tips when choosing residential care for a loved one:
- Understand the difference between assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care, and which option best fits the needs of a loved one. Those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have different needs than those with only physical limitations.
- Observe how the community is designed. It should look like a residence, not a hospital, and should allow those who live there to bring their own furniture and belongings to make their space feel more like home.
- Ask about staff training for specific issues. For example, memory care nurses and caregivers are trained in how to best relate to those with dementia in a compassionate manner. Executive directors should be state-certified in memory care community management.
- Look for a robust resident life program that features group outings, community events, classes and other enriching activities that can maintain and increase abilities and independence.
Autumn Leaves offers free public seminars for families considering residential care. For more information, visit http://www.autumnleaves.com or call 888-662-8886.
About Autumn Leaves
Family-owned and -operated Autumn Leaves® memory care assisted living communities are dedicated to serving those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Autumn Leaves communities are committed to providing exceptionally high-quality care and research-based programs that allow for safe, secure and active environments for their residents. An acknowledged leader in memory care, Autumn Leaves combines clinical expertise, knowledge of dementia, and heartfelt compassion to create the best possible care environment. Autumn Leaves currently operates more than 40 communities in six states with the ability to serve more than 2,000 residents. For more information, visit http://www.AutumnLeaves.com or call 888-662-8886.
Sarah Langhorst, SPM Communications, +1 2143797000, [email protected]
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