Perhaps the Sandwich Generation, or adults who are caring for both elderly parents and their own children, have uncovered a gentler way to transition their loved ones into more supportive care than any previous generation: day to memory care.
Why does this group seem to have the inside track? These folks are overwhelmed beyond just caring for family; in fact, they are typically at the peak of their careers, are juggling quality time and shared responsibilities with their life partners and are preparing for their own retirement – all simultaneously.
Just what is the secret to gently transitioning loved ones into senior care outside what the family can provide?
Step One – Adult Day
If you are caring for an elder whose memory is slipping or who needs more assistance than in younger years, you may benefit from the temporary relief provided by Adult Day services.
These services in senior care provide a safe and engaging environment for older adults during the day. They include engaging social activities, meals, basic health services and transportation. Adult day caters to seniors who need some assistance and socialization, but not round-the-clock care. This is where you come in – Adult day offers a true respite to family caregivers.
These programs are beneficial for seniors with physical limitations or those experiencing mild cognitive impairments. They get to to enjoy structured activities, an enhanced social life and light medical attention as needed while still maintaining their independence. And you get your time back to use how you most need or want.
If you and your family are not yet ready to make the shift to memory care, test out Adult Day. This first step can go a long way in easing the agony of a big decision for the whole family.
Step Two – A Whole-Family Tour of Memory Care
After you and your loved one try Adult Day and as his or her care needs progress, the next step is for you and your whole family to tour a memory care community. It’s important to involve all family members who have a say in your loved one’s care. This way, you all get the same information at once, are aware of one another’s questions and concerns and are clear about how the community will resolve those issues.
If a particular family member cannot join in person, consider asking the community liaison if you can include that person via videoconference from your smartphone. Again, it’s imperative that all deciding parties be on the same page to come to good conclusions about how best to proceed with care.
Keep in mind it may take several tours or meetings between your collective family and the caregiving community to:
- Get everyone aligned; and,
- Agree on a way forward.
Be patient and stay the course, including all parties at each phase of the decision-making process.
Step Three – Full Memory Care Support
As you make the move to transition to full memory care support, it’s critical to ask about two topics:
- Does the community include certain items in its base rate, such as med pass, or the highly regulated process of dispensing medicine to memory care patients as physicians have ordered? This is often not included in the base rate, there is often an upcharge for this. (Note: At Inland Christian Home, this important service is part of the regular fee structure.)
- Does the layout and architecture of the Memory Care home lend itself to the specific needs of those in cognitive decline? If you must traverse long hallways to get from one area to the next, the answer is no. Seek out open concepts that provide residents direct access to the living and activity areas from their rooms. A more open design also allows staff to efficiently monitor the residents and provides a circular walking path with no dead ends. (Note: At Inland Christian Home, this is precisely how our Memory Care homes are structured.)
Like any other major life decision, making the choice to seek additional help for your aging loved one is a multi-faceted, step-by-step journey. If we can help in any way, just say the word.
“My mother and father in-law have been at Inland Christian Home for three years. They are in memory care there. The staff there are excellent. Always right there with friendly faces and warm hearts to help with anything the residents and their families might need. They keep the families up-to-date with information pertaining to the residents and all functions the facility has to offer, which are many. I can’t say enough positive things about them. What is most comforting is when you leave your loved one in their hands, you know that they are very well cared for. Thank you so much for all you do and how you do it.”