My sister left me a message today that She just moved from independent care to assisted 3 months ago. OT says she is highly functional. She takes her showers, dresses herself, takes medication on her own using an alarm medication dispenser. There is no doubt she gets confused and has her memory lapses. We did see the decline when we moved her to assisted. She knows her apartment is very small and desires a 2 bedroom and loves to get out with others. I live an hour away and visit her weekly as well as have brought her to my house to spend the night a couple of times. Of course time and history run all together but as far as her dressing herself and showering at my house I have not seen a change. She also makes herself an egg and toast for breakfast at my house, turns on and off the stove. So, I do not want to make a mistake moving her to memory care which I know is restrictive and could possibly make things worse. I need you thoughts!
My MIL is in AL and clearly has memory issues. But she is still in that area with a lot of help from aides. From what you have indicated here, I'd say it is too early for memory care.
Based on what I have seen, Memory Care facilities are required to have written documentation of why the person is there, especially if she is receiving financial assistance or insurance coverage. Have you seen that paperwork? It lists how much assistance your mom needs with her daily care and activities and how often she needs it. I might ask the director for a meeting to sit down with the team from the facility to discuss their opinion and findings. Maybe, there has been a progression of her condition that you are not aware of.
I would think they would notify you if she is incontinent or unable to function at the level the Assisted Living facility requires. Sometimes, the resident requires more supervision and care than they can devote in regular Assisted Living. I'd find out why they believe this about your mom.
I would also visit the Memory Care facility to see if it looks like a good fit for her. Are they going to have activities that she will find amusing? One Secure Memory Care facility that I visited have a group of ladies in their rec room playing cards. They seemed very engaged, well dressed and groomed and I would never have guessed that they had dementia. But, it's not always obvious. They could have been wanderers, who have to be in a Secure facility.
I hope you find the answers you are looking for.
Does Mother's behavior disturb other residents?
Those are the usual reasons for moving AL residents to the memory care unit.
Of course, having more Memory openings than AL open rooms and being able to charge more for Memory care is not outside the realm of possibilities.
I'd look into the reasons very carefully. If you are not convinced, offer to reconsider the question in 60 days.