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When is it Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Senior Woman Drinking Coffee and Looking Out Window_Franklin Park® Senior Living

Our bodies and minds change as we age, and sometimes we may require additional care and support. For example, for individuals experiencing cognitive changes, moving from assisted living to memory care may become necessary.

Assisted living is designed for individuals who need or want assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Assisted living communities typically offer 24/7 support, as well as provide dining, housekeeping, transportation services, and additional conveniences and amenities. However, additional support may be needed as memory loss and cognitive changes progress.

Memory care is a specialized form of senior living that provides care and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of memory impairment. Memory care communities offer a safe and secure environment for residents.

Deciding when to move from assisted living to memory care can be a challenging decision for families. As a memory care provider in San Antonio, Texas, our team at Franklin Park® Senior Living understands just how personal this transition is, so we’re sharing signs that it may be time for someone you love to make the move from assisted living to memory care.

Increased Cognitive Decline

One of the leading indicators that it may be time for an individual to transition to memory care is an increase in cognitive decline. This could be apparent in a variety of ways, such as confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty communicating, or disorientation.

While these symptoms may be present in individuals with other health conditions, they are particularly common in those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. As a result, memory care communities are designed to provide specialized care to individuals with these conditions, including team members trained in managing and responding to changes in cognition.

Increased Wandering or Getting Lost

Individuals with memory impairment may experience confusion that causes them to wander and get lost, even in familiar surroundings. This behavior can be dangerous, especially if they become disoriented and can’t navigate themselves back.

While assisted living communities offer 24/7 support, they are not designed to prevent this type of behavior. On the other hand, memory care communities are purposefully equipped with safety and security measures to prevent residents from accidentally leaving the building or putting themselves in unsafe situations.

Changes in Behavior

Individuals living with dementia may experience changes in mood and behavior, including aggression, agitation, and paranoia. For instance, if an individual is becoming agitated or aggressive toward other residents or team members, it could be a sign of unmet needs or that they require a higher level of specialized care.

Memory care team members are trained to manage these types of behaviors in a compassionate and effective way, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and caregivers.

Decline in Overall Health

Dementia can affect an individual’s overall health, leading to weight loss, poor nutrition, and other health complications. Memory care communities provide specialized care and support to ensure residents receive proper nutrition, medication management, and the personalized medical attention they need to thrive.


It is important to note that each person’s experience with dementia and cognition is unique, and the decision to move to memory care should be made based on the individual’s needs and circumstances. Families should work closely with medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and the team members in their assisted living community, to determine the appropriate level of care.

When transitioning to memory care, it is essential to choose a community equipped to meet the specific needs of individuals with dementia. Look for a community with team members trained in dementia care, a welcoming environment, and specialized programs designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with memory impairments.

At Franklin Park® Senior Living, our Refreshing Waters® memory care program provides a purpose-built environment designed to enhance daily routines and allow residents to continue life’s journey confidently and comfortably. We combine person-centered care with meaningful lifestyle activity programs to provide the best quality of life for those with memory loss.

We invite you to explore our website or contact the Franklin Park® team to learn more about our memory care communities throughout the San Antonio, Texas, area.