Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia is often a journey filled with love and difficult decisions.
Many families begin with the goal of providing care at home for as long as possible. As memory loss progresses, however, the demands of caregiving can become more than one person or family can reasonably manage.
For Anne, a licensed social worker with more than 30 years of experience, helping families navigate those moments has become a calling. She helped open Ohio Living Ganzhorn Suites 10 years ago and continues to support residents and families at the memory care community today.
"Families often don't realize how much they're carrying until they're exhausted," Anne said. "The needs of their loved one have changed, and they need support too."
One of the clearest signs that additional support may be needed is a change in safety. Individuals living with dementia may begin wandering from home during the day or night. Others may need increasing assistance with bathing, dressing or managing incontinence. Families also may struggle to keep a loved one engaged throughout the day, leading to frustration for everyone involved.
For many caregivers, these changes create both physical and emotional strain.
Anne says one of the most common challenges she sees is isolation. Caregivers often find it harder to leave home or participate in activities they once enjoyed as the condition progresses.
"What families need to hear is that asking for help is not giving up," Anne explained. "It's making sure everyone involved has the support they need."
At Ohio Living Ganzhorn Suites, memory care is designed to support residents while preserving independence whenever possible.
"If someone can still do something for themselves, we want them to continue doing it," Anne shared. Rather than doing everything for residents, the Ohio Living Ganzhorn Suites team focuses on supporting their abilities and encouraging independence whenever possible. Residents enjoy personalized care, meaningful enrichment opportunities and familiar daily routines that promote comfort and confidence. The community also features two distinct neighborhoods designed for different stages of dementia, allowing care to be tailored as residents' needs change over time.
When evaluating memory care options, Anne encourages families to look beyond amenities. She recommends asking whether a community can support a loved one as needs change, how consistent the care teams are and what training staff members receive. Assessing financial feasibility is also critical, as cost can vary significantly between communities.
"There are so many unknowns when someone receives a dementia diagnosis," Anne elaborated. "Helping families find answers and feel supported is incredibly meaningful."
For more information about Ohio Living Ganzhorn Suites, visit ohioliving.org/communities/ohio-living-ganzhorn-suites.