When to Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care

Assisted living is a great option for individuals looking to strike a good balance between independence and adequate care. Memory care, on the other hand, is more suitable for those who struggle with dementia, whose situation involves safety risks and serious confusion. Many people incorrectly associate the transition from assisted living to memory care with age. However, the decision often comes down to a change in behavior above anything else. 

When does someone need memory care? 

Families usually move their loved one to memory care when safety, supervision, or dementia support exceeds that of what’s available in an assisted living program. Residents who are ready to move to memory care may wander, fall repeatedly, make frequent medication mistakes, and/or become agitated easily. If your loved one requires consistent, daily support, memory care may be the best option for them. 

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: What Changes? 

Assisted living supports daily life like meals and basic medication help. Memory care adds specialized dementia training into the program, along with secure spaces and structured routines. One major difference for memory care residents in a senior living home is the security implementation. 

Wandering is common for people with dementia, and it can happen at any stage. Memory care programs offer the kind of security necessary for safer wandering. They also should have plans in place for resident sundowning. They also should have plans in place for resident sundowning, a term that refers to increased confusion or restlessness that often occurs in the late afternoon and evening for people with dementia.  

Signs It May Be Time to Move to Memory Care

Signs that it’s time to move to memory care can vary. Look for patterns that show rising risk or unmet needs. A proactive assisted living program will be on the lookout for patterns related to dementia, but loved ones should also be vigilant. One incident can happen, but repeated incidents usually signal a higher level of care is needed.

Safety red flags

• Leaving the building and getting lost

• Not dressing appropriately for the weather

• Misusing appliances or forgetting basic safety steps

• More falls, bruises, or close calls

• Poor hygiene, spoiled food, or unsafe clutter

• Unpaid bills, and missed appointments

Care and health red flags

• Missed medications or double doses

• Weight loss, dehydration, or skipped meals

• Trouble using the bathroom without help

• More hospital visits for preventable problems

Behavior and thinking red flags

• More confusion about time and place

• Agitation, paranoia, or frequent distress

• Sleep disruption that affects safety at night

• Needing constant redirection to complete simple tasks

Understanding Dementia Stages 

Dementia progression can vary case by case. The brain can begin to change even a decade or more before symptoms appear, and will continue changing in the years that follow. 

The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners outlines seven stages of dementia. They include: 

1. No Cognitive Decline. No noticeable symptoms or memory problems.

2. Very Mild Cognitive Decline. Subtle memory lapses, generally not detected.

3. Mild Cognitive Decline. Increased forgetfulness, slight concentration problems.

4. Moderate Cognitive Decline. Clear-cut memory loss, difficulty with complex tasks.

5. Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline. Assistance with daily activities is often needed.

6. Severe Cognitive Decline. Significant memory issues, personality changes.

7. Very Severe Cognitive Decline. Loss of verbal abilities, total dependence on caregivers.

Timing Makes a Difference 

Placement timing can also follow a somewhat predictable pattern. A large systematic review found that the median time to nursing home admission after diagnosis was 3.3 years. In that same review, about 13% of individuals entered within the first year of diagnosis, while approximately 57% transitioned within five years. 

These figures include a range of care settings and personal circumstances. Even so, they highlight why early planning and proactive conversations are so important.

Questions to Ask at a Memory Care Community 

It may bring some peace of mind to have questions ready when it’s time to transition a loved one to memory care. It may be helpful to use direct questions that reveal real capabilities. 

Consider asking the following when researching memory care options: 

• How do you prevent and respond to wandering?

• How do you handle agitation and sleep disruption?

• What is your approach to routines and engagement?

• How do you coordinate with families and providers?

• What changes would require a higher level of care later?

Have Questions About Senior Living? Reach Out Today

The team at Pillars of Hermantown is ready to assist you and your loved ones with a follow-up or tour. Our senior living community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options fit for a wide range of needs. Connect with us today to learn about our person-centered approach and what makes our communities so unique.