Did they forget something, is it a normal mental fog for a senior, or is it something more serious? Every older person has to think about Dementia. When your loved one chooses to age in place, you may be concerned about their memory and if it is something more serious than just forgetting something. If your senior is determined to live alone and age in place and has been suffering from memory loss, you should consider finding them the right home care assistance. These professionals will also be able to pay attention to the early warning signs of Dementia. Having a good home team in place for your senior loved one is so important.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function, including memory, reasoning, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It is not a specific disease but rather a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause. Dementia typically impairs an individual’s ability to function independently and can profoundly impact their quality of life. If you or your loved one is questioning whether or not they have Dementia, it’s time to get their doctor involved. On the other hand, if you’re not sure how to gently approach the subject, here are a few signs you can look for:
Forgetting New Information
Sometimes, your senior is just not listening. It happens. However, if they often forget information they just learned, it could be a sign of not retaining any new information, which is a sign of Dementia. They may repeatedly ask home care assistance the same questions or introduce themselves to someone new or even someone they know because they have forgotten they just did that.
They May Get Lost
A senior may have a routine they know by heart and do every day. However, if they start to get lost or confused, it could be a sign of cognitive decline and one of the first symptoms of Dementia. It is important to know where your loved one is and ensure they have a way to call for help if necessary. They should never be left alone.
Seniors May Get Confused About Time
They may not know how long time has passed, or they may start sleeping during the day and being up all night. This may seem abnormal to you, but this is a sign of Dementia in the first stage. However, with the help of home care assistance, your loved one can maintain a semi-normal routine that will help their bodies recognize when it is bedtime. Ensure you find a caregiver who has experience with maintaining a routine for Dementia patients.
They May Not Follow Directions
If you give them a simple task, they may not know how to do it or become confused and frustrated while doing the task. Although this may not seem like a huge issue, it can devastate them mentally and physically and is often one of the first signs of Dementia.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Omaha, NE, please contact the caring staff at Caretech today! Call (402) 697-5121
Caretech provides the best care services for seniors and families throughout Nebraska including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Norfolk, Hastings, Columbus, Papillon, North Platte, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Lexington, Chalco, Gretna, Gering, York, and surrounding areas.
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