Caring for someone with dementia can be a difficult experience. While there are a number of alzheimers care centers that are extremely great facilities, it can be hard to come to terms with the idea of sending your loved one away. However, there comes a time where it is a necessity for your loved one and/or yourself to get them in to alzheimers care centers that can take care of them day by day and allow you to return to the loving relationship you once had. Here are some signs it may be time to find an assisted living facility for your loved one.
Becoming a Danger to Themselves or Others
Alheizmers patients or those with dementia are often known to have strong outbursts of anger during the early stages. This can stem from frustration if they know what is happening to them or from confusion if they do not. When they have lucid periods, depression can also become a symptom which will later turn to anger. As the disease progresses, this anger can play out in violence. If you fear that your loved one is going to hurt you, themselves or someone else, then it is definitely time to get them into one of the dementia care units that are near you. Not only do you not want you or them or anyone else to get hurt, once your loved one realizes what happened, they would surely never forgive themselves if they caused harm to anyone that they love.
Inability to Care for Them
If you find yourself unable to care for the alzheimers or dementia patient, then there is no shame is finding alzheimers care centers near you. This may be because of scheduling, work, having to find babysitters or some other reason entirely but the point is- if you can’t care for them yourself or can’t find someone you trust, then a nursing home type place might be the best idea for them.
The Need for 24 Hour Care
Once your loved one gets to the point where they need around the clock care to make sure that they are alright and do not harm themselves, then a senior living facility is imperative. They have nurses and techs that take care of the residents 24 hours a day. It is not feasible for you to do that of course and even if you have several family members rotating, it can get tiresome for everyone involved.
Caregiver Burn Out
This is the most common reason for loved ones needing alzheimers care centers. It’s possible to do so much for someone and eventually get completely burnt out. Some of the common symptoms that you are approaching caregiver burnout begin with caregiver depression or stress. These are things like, feeling empty or sad and anxious. You could also experience a loss of pleasure in the activities you previously enjoyed. Having trouble focusing, remembering or even making decisions is another symptom. Often times, caregivers can begin to feel guilty and helpless not only when it comes to their loved one but in general. None of these are healthy for you or your loved one. You aren’t helping them by helping them when this is going on with you. Rather than continue to feel like this and possibly make your symptoms worse, fine a great nursing home that you trust and love and let your loved one settle in there. You can then focus on yourself and getting back on your feet and then you can once again enjoy a healthy and loving relationship with the one you once cared for.
Most of all, don’t feel guilty about sending your loved ones into senior living. They don’t want to be a burden just as much as you don’t want a burden. Especially for parents, it can actually be embarrassing for them to have to have their children helping them with daily activities. They once helped you go to the bathroom or tie your shoes and it can be difficult for them to receive that help from you. Give them the dignity they deserve by settling them into an assisted living facility. They will most likely appreciate it and you, even if they don’t show it.
