Challenges of Caring for those with Memory Loss

When one finds themselves in the role of caring for an older adult in their lives usually it is for two reasons: your loved one has issues related to their physical well being or they have some form of memory loss. Neither is an easy road to hoe, but for those caring for a loved one with memory loss there are very different challenges that they face.

First there is the change in communication. A person with memory loss is not able to communicate as easily with their loved one. They may have difficulty finding the right word or misunderstand the meaning of words. They may not be able to focus or maintain their train-of-thought and blocking out background noise becomes very difficult. Therefore, they are easily distracted and become frustrated when communication doesn’t work. This poem from an Alzheimer’s Patient helps keep this thought in mind.

In addition, one of the first things usually affected by those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is their ability to plan or initiate steps to complete a task. This loss is classified as the loss of Executive Functioning. It’s not that Dad doesn’t want to take out the garbage it is that he can’t mentally remember what the first step is to start the process or he may not even truly understand the request that you are asking him to complete.

When one takes the time to realize that the act of communicating with those with memory loss when done with patience and warmth can still be effective long into the disease process.

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My father has been here only a little over 2 months. The positive change in him has been DRAMATIC! I would HIGHLY recommend Azura........ I would give it 10 stars if they allowed it! This is the premier facility for any family member with cognitive issues! They do treat residents like family, believe it!

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The staff at Oak Creek are all fabulous! It takes special people to care for our loved ones. If has been a trying year for all and the staff at oak creek get a shout out for their kindness and compassion they give to my mom and the others. They have all gone above and beyond to make things seem as normal as possible for my mom! All of the staff have been so helpful and kind! They are all fabulous!!

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"We want to thank you for the loving special care you took of our mother, Diane. It was truly mom's home and you all became part of our family. Everything was home for her....from the beautiful rooms, large sunny windows all around, good food made with love, fun and personal activities from people who really loved our mom. We would highly recommend your facility to anyone. The staff from the director, to the doctor, to the nurse, to the caregivers and the maintenance man were all extremely helpful, caring, loving and professional. There are not enough words to say how much we appreciate all of you. Your exceptional care, kindness, and love were beyond anything we could have imagined. You were part of our family, and we will miss you." - Gail Sommers and Deborah Guse

Review posted by Gail Sommers & Deborah Guse

Just moved my sister-in-law to Azura Stoughton on February 12th. I feel like I’ve found a little piece of dementia heaven. The staff has gone way beyond my expectations to meet her needs and take time to know her. Anyone who has dementia deserves the TLC they receive at Azura. I’m so impressed.

Review posted by Gail Aaroen

Thank you to the Azura Memory Care team, Sheboygan location for the amazing, loving care they provided my dad. They truly loved and cared for my dad as if he was their own. It is such a warm, loving, family environment I only wish we would have moved my dad there years earlier!

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Review posted by Ron Paxson

I have enjoyed working with patients at Azura Care as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The staff has been very helpful in sharing important information about the patients to make their therapy sessions as productive as possible. They are open to learning techniques to help keep patients safe and improve their ability to perform daily tasks with less assistance. Their interactions with patients show caring and compassion with a focus on the needs of each individual to enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Review posted by Barb Eisenberg

The journey of caregiving for my Aunt started over 4 years ago. It has been a very long difficult journey. It is hard to watch and frustrating to watch a loved one decline, as well as for them to live the decline. My Aunt found her final peace at Azura Memory Care in Sheboygan. It was not only her peace but mine as well. I no longer had to worry about her care as I could see that she was loved by her Azura family. She passed away on June 21 and they knew how important that it was for me to be there, but I also found peace that if I was not there, she was with family that loved her. No words can express the appreciation for the care, compassion and love that they have for all their residents. God has opened many doors through my journey and the doors at Azura were truly a gift from God. This family made a difference in a long journey. I will always have them in my thoughts and prayers. They are where and doing what they are meant to do!

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Challenges of Caring for those with Memory Loss