By Rachel Byrd
Nationally, one in three Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2024 report, just under 580,000 adults over 65 in Florida have received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
With an increasing senior population, the need for education on Alzheimer’s disease and the proper pathway to follow is critical. By 2050, the global population of adults aged 60 years and older will double to 2.1 billion – and this could mean more older adults and their families learning how to navigate a dementia diagnosis.
Know the signs and make the right decision
Alzheimer’s can present itself through ten different signs: memory loss that disrupts daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing familiar tasks; confusion with time or place; trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships; new problems with words in speaking and writing; misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from activities; and changes in mood and personality.
Although it’s a difficult and emotional decision, seeking a higher level of care can bring several benefits to your loved one’s life as the condition progresses through the mild, moderate and severe stages. Memory support communities are designed with the best interests of older adults in mind, providing a safe, comforting and familiar environment to them as they navigate Alzheimer’s or other memory conditions. Memory support is a viable option for older adults with dementia, as it provides them with high-quality care and dementia-specific activities that have cognitive benefits, like exercise and mentally stimulating games.
The symptoms indicating a necessary move to memory support vary from person to person, but generally, it is best to move in when the following signs are presented:
- Changes in behavior
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Can no longer complete daily tasks
- Disorientation, confusion
- Advanced memory loss
- Incontinence
- Feeling unsafe
- Overwhelmed caregiver
- You feel it’s time
- Wandering
- Difficulty sequencing tasks
When determining options for your loved one’s new memory support community, take the training and education of the staff, activities, dining, and size of the community into consideration. Ask any questions that you feel are necessary to make an informed decision.
Memory support has many benefits for older adults with a memory condition, including social engagement and physical activity – which both help slow dementia’s progression –, improved diet, personalized care, and specialized dementia care.
Show your support
The fight to end Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia requires the help of an entire community. There are several ways to make your mark, such as:
- Participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s®.
- Contribute to educational programs and support services by donating to The Dubin Center.
- Inquire with your local senior living community, like The Preserve in Fort Myers, about volunteer opportunities to help organize activities and spend quality time with residents.
- Spread the word about Alzheimer’s disease. The more people know about Alzheimer’s, the more people can make a difference in the fight to end it.
Navigating an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be scary, but the right resources can help you along the path. Consider memory support as the best means for your loved one to receive the assistance and support that they need.
About the author
Rachel Byrd is the area sales and marketing director of assisted living for Volunteers of America National Services, serving The Preserve in Fort Myers and Palmview at Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral.