Memory Care near White Rock, BC

Memory Care in White Rock, BC

Memory care facilities offer aging seniors a place to receive help with their daily activities, and to engage in therapy that will help them manage the effects of their memory loss. That is an important function because, as seniors age, their memory loss can lead to aggression and disruptive behavior. As these behaviors get worse, they may need more focused, specialized care than family members can provide, which is sometimes a difficult conversation to have. However, like other types of senior care, if you plan early, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and heartache when the time comes to consider memory care.

Living in White Rock

White Rock is a city designed for tourism, but still attractive for those who want to make it their permanent home. The oceanfront promenade is perfect for watching west coast sunsets, and the sandy beaches are great for strolling, shopping, and people watching. The city gets its name from the large white rock that sits on the beach. The rock is part of a glacial deposit that was left behind when the glaciers receded thousands of years ago. White Rock is also famous for its pier that runs 1,500 feet into the shallow, warm waters of Semiahmoo Bay. It's a great place for seniors who like the sun and the beach.

Knowing When It's Time

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when a loved one needs additional help because they might go to great lengths to hide it from you. However, memory loss isn't one of those things that seniors can easily hide. There are specific signs that clue you into the fact that they need a memory care facility. These signs include: forgetting basic functions they've done their whole life – such as cooking, forgetting their personal hygiene, forgetting to eat or forgetting that they've already eaten and eating again, forgetting to pay their bills, or forgetting the water is running or the stove is on and causing damage to their home. Forgetting little things from time to time is normal for aging seniors, but these include forgetting to take out the trash, forgetting where they set down their keys, and forgetting to send out birthday cards. When their memory loss starts to cause them harm, it's time to consider a memory care facility.

Search Mistakes to Avoid

There are two popular options for memory care facilities: assisted living and nursing home care. These options require you to look into the communities to find one that suits your loved one, and as with anything, there are some things you should avoid doing during your search.

• Not thinking of your loved one
One of the biggest search mistakes most adult children make when they look into senior care is choosing facilities and locations that suit their needs rather than their loved one's needs. As you research and visit these facilities, remember that your loved one has to live in the community, and they're already dealing with a scary situation in their lives. Choose a community where they will feel comfortable and nurtured.
• Going for proximity rather than fit
Another mistake that many people make is that they don't want to spend the time necessary to research facilities, so they choose the one closest to them to get the decision out of the way. This doesn't ensure that your loved one will have a good experience, and if they hate the facility, it could make the effects of their memory loss worse. It's worth it to spend the time researching communities to find the right one.
• Mistaking safety precautions with restrictions
When you walk into a memory care facility, you may notice locked doors and alarms, which may cause you to feel that the facility restricts your loved one's freedoms. However, seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's have a tendency to wander off, whether the situation is safe or not. Although it may seem restrictive to prevent the senior from wandering into the street, it's really in their best interest.

The idea of memory care can be challenging for seniors and families alike, but the reality is that seniors may need more help than loved ones can provide. As seniors get older, things change. It gets harder for them to manage their daily activities, but couple that with memory loss, and it's imperative they receive the care they need. Given the personality changes that occur with memory loss, it often reaches a point where seniors need 24-hour supervision to ensure they don't hurt themselves or someone else. The good news is that White Rock has several options for aging seniors, so finding the right memory care community shouldn't be difficult for families.