Early Signs of Alzheimer’s & When to Explore Memory Care
Witnessing the mental decline of a loved one is heartbreaking, especially if they don’t recognize the symptoms themselves. It’s even more devastating when your loved one is aware of their difficulties but won’t accept that they need help. Some early indications of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to watch for include
- Short-term memory loss
- Constantly losing and misplacing items
- Wandering
- Difficulty communicating needs and wants
- Sundowning, which means confusing day and night.
Many of these symptoms are part of the normal progress of aging, but if they are becoming more frequent or severe, or if you feel your loved one may be in danger, it’s time to consider memory care.
Some other behaviors and responses to watch for include:
Do you worry about your loved one living at home alone?
Does your loved one have difficulty planning their days?
Have you noticed your loved one has a better day when there is structure?
Does your loved one need more assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, grooming, and dressing?
Again, some behaviors are normal parts of aging, but if they are becoming more worrisome to you and your family, then it’s time to intervene and actively explore memory care options for your loved one.
How Our Memory Care Community Works
Environment, Engagement, and Education
The Varietas® Memory Care Program by Traditions is our unique, specialized program for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other age-related dementias. The mission of Varietas® is to maintain independence and improve quality of life by focusing on environment, engagement, and education.
Environment
Varietas® relies on the things we learn about your loved one to comfort and connect with them in a warm and nurturing environment. Our memory care communities are thoughtfully designed with safety and convenience in mind. You may see features such as secure, enclosed courtyards and gardens. Single floor layouts with familiar floor plans. Hydration stations with colored and lightly flavored water to encourage hydration and stimulate appetite. Personalized Memory boxes and bold font name plates help resident navigate back and forth to their apartment. All of these elements work together to help residents feel safe and comfortable.
Engagement
Studies show socialization has a positive impact on seniors and can reduce, even prevent the signs of depression. Each resident’s daily routine consists of their own combination of therapeutic and positive stimulation, including expressive arts, exercise, nutrition, reminiscing, cognitive activities, and social engagement with peers, staff, and families.
Education
Varietas® employees and managers receive Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) training, which is the highest standard in Alzheimer’s and Dementia education.
Varietas employees also receive:
- Varietas® Memory Care Training
- Memory Care Sensitivity Training
- Reality Comprehension Clock Test Training
Memory Care For Your Loved One
At Kingsbury, residents’ well-being and safety are our top priorities. Your loved one in memory care will be treated with dignity and respect and will be encouraged to maintain as much of their independence as possible. We provide care in a nurturing, supportive environment where residents are encouraged to live and be their best. Ohioans built Kingbury senior living communities for Ohioans, and we have properties in the state, where, along with memory care, we offer independent and assisted living and villas. If the time has come for your loved one to explore memory care options, we invite you to schedule a visit with our staff to learn more about the Varietas Program and tour one of our properties. We look forward to meeting you and caring for your loved one.