Memory loss related to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia is a progressive condition that worsens over time. As their degree of memory loss increases, your loved one will require an increasing amount of care, which may eventually become a full-time need. While families do all they can to provide loving and compassionate care for an aging adult with increasing memory loss, specialized care from a well-trained professional caregiver may become necessary if you want them to continue living at home. How do you know as a family caregiver that you need help providing the care your loved one needs? Here are five signs that are commonly recognized indicators that professional memory care may be needed.
Your loved one is struggling with activities of daily living
This is a common benchmark used to judge if a senior needs extra help. As a family member, you may have noticed that their level of self-care has changed, such as not dressing correctly, bathing infrequently, or having a noticeable body odor.
They're getting lost on routes they take frequently
From trips to the grocery store to walks around the neighborhood, your loved one is losing their bearings while they're out, and you're becoming increasingly concerned that you're going to soon need help finding them.
They aren't taking their medications properly
Seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer's and dementia will begin to either underdose, overdose, or totally forget to take their medications. This can lead to further health complications, necessitating additional care.
You're concerned for their safety
If your loved one is leaving appliances or burners on after cooking, leaving doors open or unlocked, or wandering and getting lost, their safety is in jeopardy. Unexplained bruises they don't remember getting are also a red flag that should be taken seriously.
Their living conditions are subpar
If you're noticing that mail is piling up, the food in the refrigerator is spoiled, their once tidy home or room is constantly messy, dirty dishes are left out, etc., it may very well be time for outside assistance.
What professional memory care typically includes
When the time comes to bring in professional support, a trained in-home caregiver can assist seniors with memory-related conditions in many important ways:
- Encouragement to do as much as they can on their own
- Personal care assistance, such as toileting, bathing, and grooming
- Maintaining a routine to discourage agitation and outbursts
- Mental stimulation through conversation and other activities
- Maintaining a safe environment
- Managing changing behaviors
- Adapting the level of care as the disease progresses
- Honoring who the senior was earlier in life
- Providing nutritious meals
- Assisting with ambulation and socialization
- Transportation to medical appointments and other events
- Supporting the family
- Light housework and other household tasks
- Pet care