When someone you love begins to change, knowing when to ask for help can make all the difference.
If your loved one is becoming increasingly confused, struggling with everyday tasks, or showing behaviors you don’t know how to manage, you may be wondering how much longer you can support them at home.
You may feel guilty considering memory care. You may worry that your loved one won’t feel at home somewhere new. And you may hold on to the hope that things will get easier.
But you don’t have to wait until a crisis to find the right support. The right memory care team can help your loved one maintain their abilities, find meaningful connections, and experience a better quality of life, while giving your family the support it needs, too.
At The Reserve at Fountaingrove Memory Care, we understand that every resident has a life story worth knowing. And sometimes, understanding that story changes everything.
Meet Bill.
At 82, Bill was an accomplished author who had traveled the world. Staying busy, preparing for his next destination, and keeping life moving were part of who he had always been.
But as his dementia progressed, Bill’s family faced increasingly difficult challenges. He was confused, needed hands-on assistance with daily activities, and required around-the-clock care. His daughter was distressed, and his wife was frightened by some of his behaviors.
Bill was often busy packing his belongings, seemingly preparing to leave. His family was doing everything it could to keep him safe, but the demands of caregiving were becoming overwhelming.
Then came a medical crisis. Bill drank two bottles of Pepto-Bismol and was hospitalized with a compacted colon. His family had reached a breaking point.
Bill needed more support than his family could safely provide at home.
His next chapter began at The Reserve at Fountaingrove Memory Care.
Our team took the time to understand the man behind the behaviors. Bill’s suitcase wasn’t simply a suitcase. He often believed he was staying in a hotel and traveling for business, reflecting the life he had known for years.
When Bill Wanted to Leave, We Looked for the Reason.
Rather than simply trying to stop him from leaving, our team took the time to understand what he was experiencing. We recognized that traveling and staying busy had been a significant part of his life.
By approaching Bill with patience, reassurance, and an understanding of his personal history, our team could better respond to his needs and help him feel supported. We met him where he was, while providing the structure and assistance he needed throughout his day.
Instead of focusing only on what Bill was doing, our team worked to understand why his actions made sense within his own experience.
Today, Bill has made friends, his appetite has returned, and his care team has adjusted his medication. He has progressed from needing hands-on assistance with daily activities to often needing only a team member nearby to provide support when necessary.
And yes, he still carries his suitcase.
Because Bill is still Bill. His love of travel, his busy nature, and the life he built are all part of his story.
This is why knowing a resident’s life story matters.
Dementia care educator Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® emphasizes meeting people where they are, recognizing their remaining abilities, and adapting care to their needs. When we look beyond a behavior and seek to understand the person, we can respond with greater patience, purpose, and compassion.
For families, Bill’s story carries an important message: you don’t have to navigate dementia alone, and you don’t have to wait until you reach your breaking point to ask for help.
If you’re noticing changes in your loved one’s daily functioning, increasing safety concerns, or growing caregiver exhaustion, now is the time to explore your options.
At The Reserve at Fountaingrove Memory Care, we take the time to learn each resident’s story, understand their needs, and help them thrive in a supportive environment.
Contact us today at (707) 544-4909 or visit us online to connect with our team and learn how we can support your family.
