Memory Care near Regina, SK

Memory Care in Regina, SK

According to health care studies, the fastest growing age group in Canada is the 65 and over group, which means that seniors are living longer today than in previous generations. That also means that as seniors continue to age, they'll need assistance with their daily activities, especially if they begin to experience memory loss, and it's not always something their family can provide. When that's the case, seniors have a few options, depending on the level of care they need. For the most part, unless there is a serious health issue, assisted living is all the care most seniors need. Many assisted living communities offer dedicated memory care services to seniors, so if your loved one suffers from a mild case of memory impairment, then assisted living might be the right choice. However, if your loved one suffers from an advanced case of memory impairment, then a nursing home might be the best choice. Either way, it's important for families to consider their options, and do what's best for their aging loved one.

Living in Regina

Regina is on the prairies, which lends itself to the moderate weather found in the prairies of Canada. It's a quaint town, but the people are friendly and open. Although there isn't as much to do in Regina as other cities, seniors will have no trouble getting around. As with any city, it has its downside. It's experiencing rapid growth and all that entails, but it still has a charm about it that only small towns seem to have. With plenty of activities around town for retirees to enjoy, it's not a bad place to settle down.

Doing What's Best for Your Loved One

Despite your desire to care for a loved one, you have a life and responsibilities, as well. As your loved one ages, it will become harder for you to manage and cope with their memory loss, mood swings, and deteriorating health. As their guardian, you have to think of what's best for them, and if you can't commit to the level of care they need, then you must consider memory care. Some signs that it might be time for memory care include:

• they can no longer handle their daily activities without assistance
• they are homebound
• living at home by themselves is no longer safe
• they cannot drive themselves anymore
• they forget to take their medication regularly
• they display mood swings, aggression, and disruptive behaviors
• they forget the process for things they've always done, such as cooking, getting dressed, or doing the laundry

Memory care communities can provide aging seniors a social, supportive environment with individuals in the same situation. A community gives your loved one a chance to live a higher quality of life than if they were living on their own thanks to activities, social outings, and events designed to keep seniors active and happy. Not only that, but the staff is specifically trained to handle your loved ones mood swings and aggressive behaviors should they come up. Your loved one can have a comfortable life, you just have to choose the memory care community that fits them best.

Choosing the Right Community

First, make a list of your non-negotiables. This may include things such as a secured location, a varied menu that offers high quality food, a dedicated ward or wing to memory care patients, options for day trips to theaters and museums, and so on. Be sure to keep your loved one's interests in mind. It's easy to choose a community based on your own interests and likes rather than one that will suit your loved one. Next, narrow down the possibilities by researching communities in the Regina area. Once you have a few places on your list, contact them for visits. Ask questions about the facility and the staff, and pay attention to the residents. You will get a vibe that lets you know whether you should stay or not. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions, either. It's important to know what the policies are, and whether you agree with them. One of the most important parts of the process is making sure your loved one approves of the community, as well.

Once you've found a community that you and your loved one like, it's important to ensure it's in good standing with the authorities, and does not have any violations on its record. Any violation is a red flag, but a community with a violation for neglect is a big red flag that you should likely consider another community. Also, one of the most important details of a memory care facility, whether assisted living or nursing home, is that there is adequate staff on hand. Memory care patients require more staff, so you want to ensure that the facility you choose has enough staff for both the memory care wing and the non-memory care residents. The community should be properly staffed, well maintained, and in good standing with the authorities to be considered. As your loved one's guardian, doing what's best for them should be your top priority.