What Happens If a Senior at Assisted Living Begins Exhibiting Memory Related Challenges?

March 18, 2020 by ·

There could be numerous reasons an aging senior might begin struggling with his or her memory. It could be directly associated with the earliest signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s or some other type of dementia. It can also be associated with the natural process of aging, prescription medications, and other factors. If that senior is at an assisted living community already, what happens if they start developing a serious condition? 

In other words, if an aging senior already at an assisted living facility begins exhibiting certain signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, do they have to move? 

 

That all depends on the facility.

Assisted Living Theodore, AL: Exhibiting Memory Related Challenges

Not all assisted living facilities are equipped to handle seniors with advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Keep in mind, though, that this is a progressive disease and early on the memory related challenges will be considered mild and manageable. 

It’s important for that senior to visit his or her primary care physician and get started with a formal diagnosis. It might very well be something they don’t want to hear, but it could have something to do with a different health issue that can be addressed with medication or other treatment options, the side effect of certain medications, or something completely unrelated to dementia. 

 

Only a licensed medical professional should diagnose memory related problems. 

With the Internet and access to so much information, opinions, and even scientific research, it’s easy for people to get in the habit of diagnosing themselves or even family members, like aging parents. 

Don’t do that when it comes to memory related problems. If a senior at an assisted living facility is exhibiting any type of memory challenge, they should be encouraged to see their doctor as soon as possible. 

 

Upon diagnosis, discuss short and long-term options with the assisted living administrators. 

This might very well be a memory care assisted living facility that can handle the growing challenges that accompany dementia. Or they might not be able to offer that level of assistance in the years ahead. 

It’s important to realize that the sooner a senior settles into their new community, the better it will be for them as the disease progresses and steals more memory. When they grow comfortable with their surroundings, it won’t create the same level of anxiety, stress, and strain that unfamiliar environments can cause. 

If a senior in your life is exhibiting memory challenges, address them now, even if they recently moved into this assisted living facility. 

 

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

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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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