As your loved ones begin to age, you will notice changes in their memory in many cases. This can be difficult to accept but it is normal. However, when these changes begin to interfere with their safety and their daily life it’s time for you to explore memory care.
Memory care will be tailored to support their individual needs. If you’re still on the fence and unsure whether or not this is right for your elderly relatives, here’s a look at some of the key indicators that it’s time for you to consider this option.
Frequent Forgetfulness or Confusion
Occasionally forgetting an appointment or misplacing items is normal for just about anyone of any age. However, if your elderly relative frequently forgets recent events and starts repeating questions after you’ve just answered them, it may be a sign that they may need specialized care.
If confusion becomes persistent over time and they have difficulty remembering people, or places it’s a sign that dementia may be setting in.
Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
When routine activities become overwhelming, it’s a clear sign of trouble. This is when quality of life can be greatly affected. Simple everyday tasks such as paying bills, cooking and maintaining personal hygiene may start to be neglected.
Your loved one may skip meals because they forget to eat. They may wear the same clothes for days because they struggle to remember to do their laundry or clean the house.
Mood or Behavior Changes
Memory conditions often impact emotional regulation. This is going to result in mood swings as well as personality changes that are quite invisible.
These are signs that you definitely should not ignore. You may notice that your loved one becomes fearful, anxious or very irritable. In some cases, they may withdraw from social activities that they used to enjoy.
You might see them pulling back from doing hobbies they were once very active in. Sometimes they may become paranoid and distrustful of you. All of these are signs that they are experiencing a decline in their memory and are in need of memory care.
Safety Concerns at Home
A decline in memory can lead to unsafe situations. There are some common safety issues that you may find. For example, they may forget to turn off the stove or the water tap.
They may also walk out of the home and wander away. If you notice that they have injuries that cannot be explained or they start falling it’s time to get help.
In severe cases, they may get lost in areas that were previously familiar. Living alone under these circumstances is not a good idea.
Difficulty Communicating
Cognitive decline is going to affect communication. You may find that your loved one starts struggling to find the right words when they are speaking to you. They may lose track of a conversation or start to forget names. This is hard for both you and them and patience as well as acceptance can take time to come.
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