02/26/2026
🧠 Is It Time for Memory Care?
A Gentle Checklist for Families
If you’re reading this, you may already be feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or worried. You are not alone. Many families struggle with knowing when it’s time for additional support.
Use this checklist to help guide your decision.
🔐 Safety Concerns
☐ Has your loved one wandered or gotten lost?
☐ Have they left the stove on or forgotten appliances running?
☐ Have there been recent falls?
☐ Do they forget to lock doors or let strangers in?
☐ Are they unsafe being home alone?
If you checked 2 or more, safety may be becoming a serious concern.
💊 Health & Medication
☐ Are medications being missed, doubled, or taken incorrectly?
☐ Have there been recent hospitalizations?
☐ Are they forgetting to eat or drink enough water?
☐ Have you noticed weight loss or poor hygiene?
☐ Are medical appointments being missed?
🧩 Cognitive Changes
☐ Increased confusion or disorientation
☐ Difficulty recognizing familiar people
☐ Trouble following conversations
☐ Repeating the same questions constantly
☐ Paranoia, suspicion, or hallucinations
These are common symptoms associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of Dementia.
😔 Behavior & Mood Changes
☐ Increased agitation or aggression
☐ Day/night reversal (awake at night, sleeping during day)
☐ Anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
☐ Sundowning behaviors
☐ Personality changes
❤️ Caregiver Impact (Be Honest)
☐ You feel burned out or constantly stressed
☐ You’re losing sleep worrying
☐ Your work or family life is suffering
☐ You feel more like a nurse than a daughter/son
☐ You feel guilt no matter what you do
Your well-being matters too.
