Memory Care Living

Memory Care in McPherson at The Cedars is dedicated to providing special care to residents with dementia. Our Health Care Center, Cedars Houses, and Special Care Center contain rooms allocated to caring for those dealing with dementia. Regardless of where our residents are living on campus, they will continue to have full access to all of the amenities and services available to any other resident of The Cedars.

Moreover, all of our staff members continue to receive special and ongoing training for how best to work with residents in a Memory Care setting, much of which is made possible by an endowed fund for continuing education. If you're interested in giving opportunities, we invite you to learn more about our giving options and other ways you can donate to The Cedars.

Further, our New Special Care Center is now open and accepting residents. This new area was designed from the ground up to help residents dealing with dementia. Memory care in McPherson and Kansas is top-notch at The Cedars.

Signs of Alzheimer's or Dementia

Detecting the early signs of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia in a loved one can be challenging, as the symptoms may be subtle and easy to dismiss as normal age-related changes. However, it's essential to pay close attention to any cognitive and behavioral changes in your loved ones, as early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve their quality of life. Here are some signs to look for:

1. Memory Loss: One of the most common early signs of dementia is forgetfulness, particularly in recent events or conversations. Your loved one may repeatedly ask the same questions or have difficulty recalling important details.

2. Difficulty with Familiar Tasks: People with dementia may struggle to complete tasks they once did effortlessly. This could include difficulties in cooking, paying bills, or following a recipe.

3. Disorientation and Confusion: Individuals with dementia often become disoriented in familiar places and may not recognize their surroundings, even in their own homes. They may also lose track of time and dates.

4. Difficulty with Language: Struggling to find the right words, repeating themselves, or having trouble following or joining in on conversations can be early signs of dementia.

5. Poor Judgment and Decision-Making: People with dementia may exhibit impaired judgment, such as giving away money to telemarketers or making poor financial decisions.

6. Changes in Mood and Personality: Dementia can lead to significant changes in personality, causing individuals to become more irritable, anxious, or depressed. They may also display mood swings and heightened emotional sensitivity.

7. Difficulty with Spatial Awareness: Trouble judging distances or navigating familiar routes can be a sign of dementia. This can result in accidents or getting lost even in familiar neighborhoods.

8. Difficulty with Complex Tasks: Tasks that require multiple steps or problem-solving abilities, like balancing a checkbook or playing a complex game, may become increasingly challenging for someone with dementia.

9. Social Withdrawal: People with dementia may start to withdraw from social activities, hobbies, or interests they once enjoyed due to confusion or frustration.

10. Neglect of Personal Hygiene: A decline in personal hygiene can occur as individuals with dementia may forget to bathe, groom themselves, or change clothes regularly.

11. Misplacing Items: Frequent misplacement of objects and the inability to retrace steps to find them is a common sign. This is different from normal forgetfulness, where you might misplace something temporarily but can usually remember where you put it.

12. Difficulty with Numbers: Managing finances can become problematic, with individuals struggling to pay bills or make simple calculations.

If you notice several of these signs in your loved one, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early diagnosis can help initiate treatment, support, and planning for the future, which can significantly improve the individual's and their family's quality of life. Keep in mind that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone with dementia will exhibit all these signs. Additionally, some treatable conditions can mimic dementia symptoms, so a thorough evaluation by a medical professional is crucial to determine the underlying cause.

Patient-centered Care for Your Loved One

If you're a caretaker searching for the next level of care for your loved one, schedule a personalized tour of our campus. We're happy to answer any questions you have about our campus, care, and facilities.