My MIL is physically doing fine and social, but often is unable to communicate well (aphasia) or be self-directed. At other times, she's coherent, and understands what's going on. She can get dressed no problem, can sometimes work a phone or tv, but not always. She's in independent living now, (very recently - not even a week) but she gets more confused at night, and doesn't watch tv, and everyone else is in their rooms. She gets confused and cries and it's heartbreaking.
What kind of care is available for someone who is mobile but who needs a lot of direction and monitoring? I'm afraid if we put her in memory care that she'll have even less social interaction. Even at this facility there's not much talking at meals, and only a few residents engage socially.
Thoughts?
People have a skewed vision that an elder has to be drooling and incoherent to 'belong' in Memory Care, when that's not true at all. I suggest you go visit some ALs that also have Memory Care available on site, and see what they have to say. Also, the intake coordinator nurse will tell you where your mom belongs once she 'interviews' her and determines her care requirements, etc.
Good luck.
even less
staff and now mom needs MC. I didn’t like their MC. I found one that is perfect and the private carer will go with her. It is like me being there.
A well run “assisted living” facility should provide ample activities supporting social interaction, conversation, and cognitive/memory stimulation.
Does her current facility offer assisted living? You may need to ask specifically to find out.
Your MIL sounds like she is Sundowning. Having an aid there right after lunch until bedtime would maybe help with this.
Three meals/day, and snacks whenever she wants them.
All of these provide opportunities for her to be with others.
Perhaps a tour or two of different MC facilities would set your mind at ease as to the different levels of residents who live at these facilities.
( this is different than memory care unit) or perhaps 1:1 support during specific needs times. She most likely will continue through the disease process needing different accommodations at different times to remain safe. Safety is a most important factor in all circumstances.
Most places offering AL have mc as an afterthought. The priority is maintaining the nice Marriott foyer, maintaining the bocce ball court, drop offs to the city or symphony, which leaves less money and time to devote to mc residents.
Mom not socializing could mean she’s intimidated by a crowd that can largely do these things. In an mc environment, she’d feel less pressure.
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