Deciding when to transition a loved one to memory care is never easy. At Brentwood Healthcare Center, we understand the emotional weight of that decision—and we’re here to help. If you’re noticing changes in your loved one’s daily behavior, these signs may indicate it’s time to explore a more supportive environment.
1. Frequent Confusion or Disorientation
Getting lost in familiar places or becoming easily confused during routine tasks can point to cognitive changes that require specialized support.
2. Noticeable Memory Loss
Forgetting names, dates, or repeating the same questions frequently are often early signs of dementia-related conditions.
3. Changes in Hygiene or Appearance
A decline in personal grooming, missed showers, or wearing the same clothes repeatedly may indicate struggles with daily self-care.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss or Missed Meals
If groceries are untouched, meals are skipped, or appliances are misused, it may signal difficulty managing nutrition and kitchen safety.
5. Mood Swings or Personality Changes
Sudden irritability, fearfulness, withdrawal, or paranoia may be signs of neurological changes affecting emotional regulation. You may also notice your loved one becoming frustrated with activities they once enjoyed—especially when they struggle to find the right words or feel they’re “not doing it right.”
6. Wandering or Exit-Seeking Behavior
If your loved one has wandered outside or expressed a desire to “go home” even while at home, it’s a safety concern that shouldn’t be ignored.
7. Decline in Housekeeping or Bill Management
Unpaid bills, overflowing trash, or a disorganized living space can indicate difficulty with executive function and daily responsibilities.
8. Increased Isolation or Social Withdrawal
Avoiding family gatherings or forgetting important social relationships may reflect cognitive decline or depression. Often, seniors also stop participating in hobbies or group activities they once enjoyed—especially when those activities become more difficult or frustrating due to memory changes.
9. Increased Safety Risks
Leaving stoves on, misplacing sharp objects, or experiencing frequent falls are all physical safety concerns that may require 24/7 care.
10. Caregiver Burnout
If you or another caregiver feels overwhelmed, anxious, or physically exhausted, it may be time to explore professional support for everyone’s wellbeing.
Support, Safety, and Dignity at Brentwood
At Brentwood Healthcare Center, our Memory Care program provides compassionate, structured support for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. We offer secure, calming spaces, engaging activities, and a specially trained team to support both residents and their families every step of the way.
