According to the Alzheimer's Association, about 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's in 2025. Seventy-four percent of them are 75 or over.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's at home can feel overwhelming. It takes time, energy, and patience. Your loved one may forget faces, wander, or need help with simple tasks.
As the disease progresses, keeping them safe becomes increasingly difficult. That's why many families choose Alzheimer's assisted living. A trusted community like TerraBella Knightdale can provide assistance.
Located at 2408 Hodge Rd. in Knightdale, NC, TerraBella Knightdale offers seniors peaceful living near Raleigh's vibrant resources. Our care team gives support, comfort, and connection each day. Continue reading to uncover the level of care your loved one with Alzheimer's may need.
Alzheimer's, like most diseases, progresses through stages. Each stage brings changes to how a person lives each day. It slowly affects their ability to think, move, and connect with others.
You may notice changes in:
Understanding these stages can help you decide the right level of care. You'll also know when to move your loved one from home to a memory care community.
In this stage, your loved one may still do many daily tasks alone. But they may:
These changes often grow slowly and can be easy to miss at first. Your loved one might also hide their struggles. They may appear fine in brief conversations and avoid discussing their memory loss.
It can become hard to know how much help they need. Try to talk with care and patience. Ask simple questions and listen without pressure.
Let them know you want to help, not take control. Support at this stage should involve clear routines and gentle reminders. Communities with senior cognitive support can guide both you and your loved one with care.
At this stage, living alone can become dangerous for your loved one. They may:
These risks show why a high level of care is needed. Assisted living offers safety and support while respecting independence. A community like TerraBella Knightdale provides that balance.
Knightdale senior living offers help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meals. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, social activities, and housekeeping. Caregivers are there when help is needed, but allow independence when possible.
The community also offers peace of mind. Your loved one gets professional health support and a chance to make friends.
Moving to assisted living can improve the quality of life for both seniors and their families. It helps keep them safe and connected while living with dignity.
At this stage of the disease, your loved one most likely requires assistance with all daily activities. They may struggle with:
Once they start showing these dementia signs, it's time to consider a memory care transition. If they were in an assisted living community, the support may no longer suffice.
Assisted living helps with basic daily needs, but may not meet the demands of this stage. Your loved one may need more hands-on support and close attention.
Memory care offers a secure environment with skilled caregivers who follow established routines and manage medical needs. It helps reduce confusion, protect dignity, and offer peace of mind to both your loved one and your family.
If your loved one exhibits early signs of Alzheimer's, it's time to begin care planning as a family. Family care planning enhances their well-being and ensures they receive the appropriate care as the disease progresses. You will need to plan for every stage, from light support to full-time care.
Many families delay this step because they think it's not yet needed. That's a mistake, as waiting too long may limit your options.
You may also face rushed decisions during a crisis. Early planning keeps your loved one's wishes at the center of every decision.
Care costs often rise as your loved one's needs grow. Planning early helps you know what care they can afford. You can explore options like long-term care insurance, savings, and government programs.
Early planning helps to avoid unexpected costs later. It also lowers financial stress for the whole family. Taking time to prepare gives you more control over future care decisions.
Alzheimer's care needs change as the disease progresses. Your loved one may begin by living at home. Later, they might require assisted living or specialized memory care.
Family care planning helps you prepare for these changes ahead of time. It also lets you explore care options that fit your loved one's needs and keep them safe and comfortable through each stage.
Planning ahead allows your loved one to remain safe, active, and enjoy life for a longer duration. It ensures they receive care that aligns with their evolving needs. Good care protects their dignity and keeps them happy.
Family care planning also supports their well-being by providing the right help when needed. At the same time, it gives your family peace of mind, knowing your loved one is in good hands. Taking steps early makes a positive difference for everyone involved.
Alzheimer's assisted living offers tailored support that grows with your loved one's needs. It provides a safe and nurturing community where they can enjoy independence while receiving assistance with daily tasks. Memory care services focus on dignity, comfort, and social connection to improve quality of life.
At TerraBella Knightdale, we provide warm, personalized care with chef-prepared meals, fun activities, and skilled staff ready to assist. We honor veterans with special discounts, including half off the first month's rent.
Allow us to assist your family in finding peace of mind in a supportive home. Reach out today!