Safety Tips for Seniors at Memory Care Assisted Living

June 29, 2020 by ·

A senior who has been diagnosed with some form of dementia or memory related challenge as they get older would do well to consider assisted living. Not all assisted living facilities are ideally suited for those individuals, though. A memory care assisted living facility is a great asset for men and women who may struggle with memory as the years progress. 

Keeping seniors who are struggling with memory loss and other challenges becomes more difficult as the loss increases. That’s why it’s so important when considering assisted living for somebody with dementia that you look at a specific memory care facility. 

There are a number of things family, friends, and the seniors themselves can do to improve safety at one of these facilities. While the staff and administrators at a quality memory care assisted living facility are going to be diligent in focusing on safety, there are some tips that people may need to keep in mind that can help. 

 

Safety Tip #1: Honesty is important.

Assisted Living in Daphne, AL: Memory Care in Assisted Living

Too often, when somebody has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, they may have a tendency to say, “I’m fine” or “I don’t need any help right now.” 

Whatever the reason for this — whether it’s hubris, fear, doubt, or a genuine feeling that they are okay, that they can handle things right now — it can be detrimental. 

A person needs to recognize that although they seem able to manage their own care for the most part right now, things will change. As long as they’re honest with themselves and others at the facility, that will help keep them safe. 

 

Safety Tip #2: Don’t go for walks alone. 

Depending on where a senior lives, what kind of facility they choose, there may still be opportunities for some to get out and go for a stroll by themselves. Even if they were recently diagnosed with some form of dementia and are only exhibiting minor memory related symptoms, things can change in an instant. 

They should avoid going for walks along the grounds or anywhere else outside by themselves. They should always have somebody else with them, somebody who is of sound mind and hasn’t been diagnosed with dementia or any other memory challenge. 

 

Safety Tip #3: Be careful with medications. 

Reminder devices, technology, and pill organizers are crucial to helping seniors maintain safety while taking a regimen of prescription medications. 

If a senior gets confused, they should always be encouraged to consult an administrator or staff member who is licensed and/or certified to assist in these matters. They should never guess or assume they have it right; always seek verification when in doubt. 

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Fairhope, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017. 

Filed Under: Assisted Living Fairhope AL, Memory Care at Assisted Living · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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