You’ve witnessed your aging parent struggle with memory for a long time, but now it’s getting worse. You may wonder whether to talk to them about it or keep it to yourself. Both are valid options, but the more information you have about what is happening with their health, the better you will be able to make decisions on how best to care for them in their golden years. In this article, we’ll discuss some signs that will help you determine if your loved one is exhibiting signs of memory loss (or dementia) and need memory care in Punta Gorda, FL.
Difficulty With Main Tasks
If your aging parent is having difficulty with the main tasks of daily living, such as dressing themselves or bathing, it’s time to consider memory care.
If your loved one has trouble remembering what they ate for breakfast or where they put their keys, they may be experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). If this is the case, it’s important to get them evaluated by a healthcare professional right away so that you can begin planning for their future needs and safety.
Inability To Remember Recent Events And Conversations
If your aging parent has difficulty remembering recent events and conversations, this is a sign that they may need memory care.
If your parent is having trouble remembering what happened yesterday, it’s time to talk about your options for short-term or long-term care. This is especially true if he or she seems to be doing less and less on his own. As the disease progresses, it will become more difficult for them to complete daily tasks like cooking meals and bathing or herself.
Confusion About Time And Place
If your aging parent is confused about time and place, it shows cognitive impairment. This is common in people with dementia, but it can also be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Dementia causes problems with memory, thinking, and reasoning that get worse over time. It’s most common in people 65 or older; however, some younger people develop it too.
Another sign of memory loss is if your parent has difficulty remembering new information. Even if you tell them something simple like what food you had for dinner last night or what movie you watched on television this afternoon, they might not remember it the next day when asked again. This can be frustrating for both parties involved because there’s no reason why someone should have such poor recall of things that happened only hours earlier!
Problems With Communication
This is a big one. If you notice your parent having trouble communicating, it may be time for them to move into memory care. They might be unable to tell you what they need or want or even ask for help when sick or hurt.
Some of the signs that this is happening to include the following:
- A lack of understanding when someone speaks with them
- Repeating words and sentences over and over again (this can also be indicative of other issues)
- An inability to carry on a conversation without getting confused
Changes In Personality Or Mood
If your parent has always been a lively, happy person who loves to tell jokes and laugh but suddenly seems more irritable or depressed than usual, it may be a sign of memory loss. If your parent has always been outgoing and social but now prefers being alone most of the time, this could also be a sign of memory problems.
Conclusion
It is important to identify when your loved one is starting to struggle with memory. This can be difficult, as many people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have been known to hide their struggles from others for fear of being judged. By recognizing these symptoms and taking action, you can make it easier for your loved one to live a more independent and fulfilling life.
