We all forget things from time to time, especially as we age. If someone you care about has become noticeably more forgetful or absentminded over time, this could be a sign of a serious cognitive issue such as Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.
Possible Dementia Symptoms in Seniors
Memory loss is especially prevalent in people over the age of 65. At this point in life, you may notice your parents frequently misplacing items or forgetting to tell you a story. These are not always symptoms of dementia, so knowing how to distinguish between normal lapses and potential signs of dementia is critical.
If you are concerned about the memory of a loved one, you should pay special attention to the following types of memory loss:
Having difficulty remembering dates, seasons, and times
Forgetting what season, day, or month it is, or how much time has passed, can be an indication of cognitive decline.
Forgetting how to carry out routine tasks
Pay attention if your loved one is unable to perform tasks that were once second nature to them. This can include forgetting the ingredients in a favorite recipe or becoming perplexed by the rules of a card game.
Missing events or appointments on a regular basis
Take note if your parent, partner, or other loved one frequently forgets about plans they’ve made, especially medical appointments.
Names of friends and loved ones are becoming muddled.
It’s natural to make a mistake or forget a name from time to time. However, if your loved one keeps mixing up the names of friends and family members, this may be cause for concern.
Forgetting recent events while vividly recalling past ones
Take note of how your loved one refers to past events versus recent ones when you talk to them. Can they recall all of their favorite childhood stories in great detail, but can’t recall a recent conversation?
Remember that memory loss isn’t the only sign of dementia. You should also be on the lookout for other signs of cognitive decline, as listed by the Alzheimer’s Association, such as:
Inadequate judgment or difficulty problem-solving
Mood swings or significant personality changes
Having problems with spatial awareness or language
How Dementia Help at home Care Can Address Memory Loss Risks
Early detection can go a long way toward improving your loved one’s quality of life. As a result, if you notice signs of cognitive decline, you should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Furthermore, if your loved one’s ability to live safely at home is being hampered by memory loss, consider contacting your local Right Choice Home Care office to learn more about our home care and dementia care services.
Our dementia care service provides specialized assistance to seniors who are having difficulty with daily tasks due to increased confusion or memory loss. Meal preparation, transportation to appointments, medication reminders, and the comfort of a stable and supportive presence are examples of support services.
Whether your loved one has dementia or simply requires more assistance with daily tasks, our home care professionals are always available to assist.
6 Advantages of Personalized Dementia Care
Dementia patients have unique needs based on their symptoms, disease stage, risks, overall health, personal preferences, and other factors. A “one-size-fits-all” care option may fail to account for all of these factors, making it more difficult for people with dementia to receive proper care.
If you are a family caregiver for an elderly loved one who is exhibiting early signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, finding the right personalized care can help them stay healthy and safe.
The Benefits of One-on-One Dementia Care
The following are some of the advantages of customized, one-on-one dementia care provided by a qualified in-home caregiver:
All the care your loved one requires — at no extra cost
Right Choice Home Care can provide the personal care your loved one requires without charging extra for unnecessary services. For example, if you or other family members can care for your loved one most evenings and weekends, an in-home caregiver can be hired during weekday hours to save money. In-home care also promotes independence by assisting care recipients with daily activities such as cooking, self-care, and meal planning.
Favorite activities in a familiar setting
Although nursing homes typically provide a variety of activities for older adults, they do not allow them to participate in familiar activities at home. As your senior continues with home-based activities that provide cognitive support, an in-home caregiver can provide one-on-one support.
Adaptability to changing needs of your loved one
As your loved one’s condition changes, the Right Choice Home Care team will review his or her care plan and make adjustments to ensure that your loved one receives the best personal care possible. If your loved one is becoming increasingly agitated at night, his or her care plan can be modified to include overnight care, bathing assistance, and increased safety measures to prevent wandering.
Learning about your loved one’s personal preferences
An in-home caregiver will learn about individual preferences that provide a sense of comfort and security, in addition to understanding your loved one’s personal care needs. Caregivers will also learn about other preferences, such as favorite television shows, music, and activities that promote routines.
Care and communication strategies that are tailored to the individual
Your loved one’s caregiver will employ tailored communication and care strategies to overcome obstacles and establish a connection that will allow them to meet your loved one’s needs for personal care and companionship. Caregivers from Right Choice Home Care are trained in a variety of senior care strategies and communication techniques, allowing them to communicate effectively, assist with a variety of light household tasks, and safely provide dignified personal care.
Choosing the Best Caregiver
The Select Your Caregiver® program enables you to select the caregiver who is best suited to your loved one’s specific care needs, based on their skills, strengths, and availability. Select Your Caregiver will provide your loved one with the consistent, dependable care they require to feel safe and secure, in addition to giving you peace of mind.
