When One Partner Has Dementia and the Other Doesn’t: Assisted Living Options

Accommodations for Both of You

Dealing with the emotions surrounding a diagnosis of dementia is difficult for any person, perhaps even more so when the person receiving the diagnosis is your spouse. Fortunately, there are assisted living options that can accommodate both of your needs, allowing you to be within easy reach of one another.

The Assisted Living Options When One Spouse Dementia

Whether you are currently doing just fine living independently, or you could benefit from a more supportive environment, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) could be an excellent choice for both you and your spouse. CCRCs typically offer independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing. Another possibility is an assisted living community that offers both assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.

Choosing from assisted living options with multiple levels of care will allow you and your spouse to continue to live an engaging, fulfilling lifestyle together, with the added benefit of knowing your spouse is close by and benefitting from specialized dementia care.

What Choosing a Community With Both Assisted Living and Memory Care Can Do for You:

• Give you the peace of mind of knowing your spouse is receiving personalized, compassionate care 24/7 that addresses the unique needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• Make it easy for you to visit your spouse as often as you choose, simply by walking a few steps, rather than having to drive to another community or arrange transportation. Your family will also appreciate the ease of visiting you both in one location. It’s easier to visit you both more often, participating in activities or sharing an occasional meal together.
• Help you stay in constant contact with your spouse’s care team so that you can build a close relationship with those carrying for him or her. This can lead to more personalized attention and programming concerning your spouse’s history and personal preferences.
• Allow you to continue to bond as a couple and be there for one another through the many ups and downs of aging and cognitive decline resulting from a dementia diagnosis. Keeping that connection alive is mutually beneficial, and assisted living options with multiple levels of care makes that much easier. Something as simple as a soothing touch, making eye contact, just letting your spouse know you are there. As their world grows more confusing, you can be a constant source of understanding—and you will benefit as well.
• Empower you to continue to nurture your own physical, mental, and emotional health so that you can remain independent for as long as possible. For example, in assisted living, you will benefit from a carefree lifestyle designed with your wellbeing in mind. When you are not visiting your spouse, you can take advantage of outings, classes, entertainment, nutritious and delicious dining, wellness programs and more. The goal is to help you pursue healthy aging in every possible way while offering the convenience of having your spouse close by.
• Offer your family the peace of mind of knowing you are both under one roof, with a plan for the future. You are free from the worries of being on your own to handle a late-night emergency or other sudden need. Instead, you can now rely on 24-hour compassionate, professional support.
• Give you access to emotional support as well, through family support groups for those whose spouses and loved ones who are affected by dementia. Being around others facing the same challenges can be a welcome source of comfort.

When It Comes to Assisted Living Options, Make the Choice That Is Right for Both of You

The Herrick House is a resort-like assisted living and memory care community located in a picturesque setting in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Our memory care services include 24-hour on-site licensed nurses, medication administration, and an array of individualized failure free, goal specific social programs and activities specially designed to meet the needs of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. And because our Memory Care neighborhood is smaller than most, there’s a more intimate atmosphere with caregivers able to spend more time with each resident. And at The Herrick House, licensed nurses are on staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

In addition, you’ll find warm, supportive assisted living with active, engaged residents. Plus, you’ll enjoy an added benefit: freedom from the worries that come with maintaining a home, a greater sense of security and more time to do things you enjoy.

At The Herrick House, our mission is to make you and your spouse feel right at home while maintaining your highest quality of life. Let us tell you more about why our community is one of the area’s most popular senior living options.

Download our free guide, Early Signs of Dementia, or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.