Memory Care near Brantford, ON

Memory Care in Brantford, ON

Memory care is typically not its own community, but rather a part of assisted living or nursing home care. The purpose of memory care is to provide seniors dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's disease a safe environment where they can manage their symptoms. There isn't a cure for Alzheimer's disease, which means it's a progressive illness that gets worse over time, so it's important to choose the right facility for your loved one. You have to make sure the facility can handle your loved one's current and future needs so you don't have to move them and disrupt their care. The good news is that Brantford has several communities to choose from, so finding one that meets both your present and future needs shouldn't be too difficult.

About Brantford

Brantford sits on the Grand River, offering residents and tourists a picturesque view unlike any other. The city's sunrises and sunsets are a sight to behold, and the other outdoor views will take your breath away. However, the city also has an interesting past. It is known as the Telephone city because Brantford is where Alexander Graham Bell first conceived the idea for the telephone. There is a house, which has been turned into a museum, where Bell sat contemplating how to make communication more efficient. In what he called the "dreaming place," the idea of the telephone was born. It is something that residents of Brantford are proud of, and they share it with anyone who will visit.

Knowing When It's Time

It can be difficult to determine when your loved one is having a rough day and when it's time to consider memory care options, so knowing the signs can help you make that determination. Here's a list of what to look for so that you can help before it's too late.

• Declining personal hygiene
• Unsafe driving
• Forgetting how to cook or do laundry – tasks they've done their whole life
• Inability to manage medications appropriately
• Water or fire damage in the home
• Neglecting finances
• Reduced ability to communicate
• Isolation from friends and family

If these signs are present, it's time to get your loved one tested for dementia or Alzheimer's, and then find the right memory care facility for them.

Care Provided

If you're unfamiliar with the services provided by memory care facilities, it can be a bit difficult to trust that they will take care of your loved one. Although assisted living and nursing homes offer a slightly different set of services, depending on the individual care plan of the resident, there are a few services that are standard across both. These services include:

• Safety and security
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Personal hygiene care and assistance
• Meals
• Social activities, wellness, and entertainment
• Therapy options including art, music, and pet therapies
• Medication management

Although this list isn't comprehensive, it does give you a starting point on what to expect from memory care facilities. It's also important to keep in mind that while assisted living and nursing homes offer memory care, these facilities also house seniors who need assistance with daily activities, but do not have memory impairment. In most cases, the memory care facility is separate from the other residents, but you want to make sure as your loved one will need more care and attention than a senior who needs assistance with their daily activities.

Where to Begin

When the time comes to begin your search, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. First, begin by speaking to your loved one's doctor to get an idea of the level of care they need. Because Brantford has several communities to choose from, the best way to start is by researching the communities online. Read the websites and online reviews, and start narrowing down the possibilities until you have three or four solid options to choose from. Next, contact each facility and schedule a tour.

Preparing for a Tour

You should show up for a tour with a comprehensive list of questions in hand, and never be afraid to ask more questions if they come to mind during the visit. It's all right to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with the facility and its staff. You should also expect to take your loved one with you, if possible. Remember that you're not the one moving into the community, so it's important to ensure your loved one actually likes the place they might move into. If not, you should consider a different community, even if that one is perfect on paper. When looking at the facility, don't just look at the surface. For example, it's important that the facility you choose is clean. Don't just look at the outward furnishings. Check the nooks and crannies, the baseboards, and the corners. You want to make sure the facility is well cleaned and taken care of because it is a reflection of the care they will provide your loved one.

For the most part, dementia and Alzheimer's disease don't happen overnight. The signs will be there long before you need to start considering memory care as an option, which means you have time to prepare. If you start noticing the signs, talk to your loved one about what they want in a facility, and how they want to handle the transition. Creating an open line of communication about the situation before their symptoms get worse is the best way to include them in the process, and to ensure you find a community that suits their needs and preferences.