Diagnosing dementia can be a complicated process because its symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. If you suspect an elderly loved one is developing dementia, it’s vital to get an official diagnosis as early as possible so he or she can begin receiving high-quality dementia care. Here’s a list of a few common warning signs along with some tips to avoid the condition.
Memory Loss that Interrupts Everyday Life
Though it’s normal for seniors to occasionally forget a name or an appointment, memory loss that interferes with daily life isn’t normal. Forgetting dates and events on a regular basis or repeatedly having to ask for the same information is a common early sign of dementia. Help your loved one stay organized and remain independent by writing events and appointments on a calendar or setting up alarms or cell phone reminders.
Dementia is a serious issue that affects a senior’s health, wellbeing, and ability to perform everyday activities. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Difficulty Following Directions
You may notice your loved one has difficulty making a meal he or she has cooked many times in the past. Dementia can make it challenging to concentrate on following recipes and other directions, which makes simple tasks like cooking or cleaning more difficult. Playing concentration games and putting together puzzles can increase your loved one’s concentration and help him or her focus on directions for simple tasks.
Confusion about Money
Money management issues may indicate your loved one is developing dementia. Your loved one may hesitate to pay with cash, become confused about how much to pay, or ask the cashier or others in the store to help count the change out.
Other examples of problems with money include writing checks for the same bills more than once, difficulty balancing a checkbook, and forgetting to pay bills. Your loved one can delay further complications with dementia by learning new skills, which can build new brain connections and increase his or her focus when managing finances.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, consider hiring a professional caregiver. The type of at-home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
Decreased Conversation Skills
Many seniors in the early stages of dementia have a hard time listening and responding during a conversation. Your loved one may stop mid-sentence because he or she is unsure of what to say next or repeatedly forgets the words he or she wants to use.
Encourage your loved one to read, and take him or her to a library or local bookstore if he or she needs new reading material. Reading more often can strengthen your loved one’s brain and help him or her build a larger vocabulary. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Livingston families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. For reliable in-home care services, contact us today.
