Memory Care at PMMA offers family members peace of mind
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than six million Americans a year. And while the disease may directly impact those who receive the diagnosis, it is equally devastating for those close to them.
For Kate Staab, whose mother Hazel Husted is currently in Memory Care at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, having to watch the cognitive decline of someone she loves was especially heartbreaking.
“Watching mom go from a well-organized, on-top-of-things person to not really knowing what day it was and forming new habits that, in her right mind, she would never do, hurt us to witness,” said Kate.
To help recognize early onset of the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association share’s these 10 signs to look for in those you love:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
Unfortunately, Kate was able to identify several of these signs in the day-to-day actions of her mother.
“Mom was forgetting to take her medicine and mixing up her pills and needed someone to administer them for her,” said Kate “She was also getting late notices on bills and hiding things.”
When it came time to find the help that Kate’s mom needed, she turned to the Memory Care neighborhood at Presbyterian Manor. The comprehensive program adjusts to the changing needs of its residents and provides the social and educational opportunities that help promote an engaging atmosphere of comfort and familiarity.
“We were sad at first, but knew it was the best thing for her,” said Kate. “You have to get over the guilt because in your heart you know it means better care for her.”
Helping to ease her conscience, Kate says the care her mother has received at the community is second to none.
“I don’t think you could get better care anywhere else. You can leave your loved one with a staff you 100 percent trust,” said Kate.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org. And if you would like information on Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor’s Memory Care community or schedule a tour, contact Whitley Stokes at 620-506-0130 or wstokes@pmma.org.
