Is It Time to Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Many seniors thrive in assisted living communities. BridgeWater Assisted Living’s chef-prepared meals, transportation and housekeeping services, social activities, and assistance with daily activities make these communities ideal for seniors who need a little extra help but want to maintain some independence.

For families with loved ones struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia or cognitive decline, however, memory care is often a more appropriate option. While assisted living and memory care in Tucson offer many of the same services, care, and amenities, there are some important differences.

What Kinds of Support Do Memory Care Communities Provide?

Two of the most important differences between assisted living and memory care are environmental security measures and specialized activities and therapies.

1. Extra Security

Safety and security are a high priority for memory care neighborhoods such as BridgeWater Assisted Living memory care in Tucson. Increased supervision and security measures mean that you don’t have to worry about your loved one wandering off or struggling with confusion alone. Community team members receive additional training, so they know the best ways to help and care for residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Residents have access to staff 24/7 as well as a personal emergency call response system.

2. Science-Based Therapy

BridgeWater Assisted Living memory care in Tucson provides an exclusive science-based memory care program called Equilibrium. Combining art, music, mindfulness and cognitive therapies, Equilibrium stimulates the brain and tracks the results, making adjustments as needed. Residents participating in the program experience improved memory, enhanced communication skills, decreased anxiety and wandering, increased sensory awareness, and reduced need for pharmaceutical intervention.

When to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care

Although every situation is unique, there are several indications that it might be time to consider memory care. Generally speaking, if your loved one is struggling with cognitive decline and begins behaving in ways that present a danger to themselves or others, it’s best to consider a move from assisted living to memory care.

Signs of cognitive decline can be gradual and subtle, but you should pay attention to the following:

• Wandering or getting lost, especially in familiar surroundings
• Poor hygiene
• Aggression
• Problems communicating and socializing
• Increased forgetfulness and confusion
• Difficulty completing simple tasks
• Reduced attention span
• Altered eating habits
• Need for reminders and redirection several times daily

Catching the signs early will allow you time to research the best options for you and your family. It’s important to make the decision to move from assisted living to memory care as soon as you can so that your loved one can benefit from the cognitive therapies, routine, and secure environment as long as possible.

Choosing Memory Care in Tucson

If you or a loved one are considering memory care in Tucson, Arizona, contact one of BridgeWater Assisted Living’s Care Team members to schedule a tour or talk about your options. We believe there is a better way to care for seniors who are experiencing memory loss. Find out more about what we have to offer.