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Can I Live in an Assisted Living if I Have a Dementia Diagnosis?

Writer's picture: Willow C.Willow C.

Updated: Jan 17


a group at an assisted living home having a spirited discussion in the Eugen Springfield area

A dementia diagnosis does not limit where you choose to live. But it will depend on the level of dementia symptoms if an Assisted Living with accepts a resident.  


The community might ask or review the following...


  • Can a resident navigate to their apartment without getting lost or going into someone else's apartment (spatial orientation)

  • Is the resident socially appropriate, as inhibitions are often lowered as the disease progresses? Can they converse reasonably, some repetition is okay/there are many residents in an Assisted that might be 'pleasantly confused' - but verbal word salad would not be appropriate. Do they have hallucinations - this could also be problematic for Assisted Living.

  • Are they compliant with medications or treatments, refusal can be common as cognition decreases. In an Assisted Living residents have the right to say "no" and the staff will respect this. Whereas in Memory Care, the staff are trained to re-approach for compliance.

  • Are they a wander risk (poor judgment on abilities)? Assisted Living does not lock its doors, whereas Memory Care does. An Assisted Living will give a short eviction notice if a resident 'wanders' or even seems to be about to 'wander'.

  • Does the person know to ask for help/safety issues? Can they identify and use their call button in their apartment (if they fall, or need help with mobility/fall issues do they know to press the call button)?

  • What if my spouse who does not have memory loss is living with me in Assisted Living? This can help someone stay or be accepted into an Assisted a bit easier, but the nurse who does the assessment will still ask themselves "Could this person be in Assisted Living without the spouse?"


These are just some of the questions a community might ask to determine if acceptance into Assisted Living. Here is Willow Care, we can help assess and determine this before tours. This can help decrease your time and energy in finding the right community.


 

Here at Willow Care

senior care advisors, senior living consultants, assisted living coordinators, free consultants near me

Willow Care is a local women-owned senior-living advisor agency (*sometimes called senior care agents or senior referral companies) providing free assistance in finding the most suitable senior care communities for families in the Eugene/Springfield area. Their services include personalized consultations to understand individual needs and preferences, expert guidance in navigating the senior care landscape, and compassionate support throughout the entire decision-making process.


The process and options can be quite overwhelming, we know this! And the real value we offer goes beyond what you learn when touring facilities on your own. We have been part of these communities and this industry for decades and bring that expertise to help you and your unique situation. We help you understand the differences in quality care between independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities (aka nursing homes), continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), home care, adult day care, and hospice care and what is the best option for you or your loved one.



 



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