Dementia is a complicated medical condition. When aging adults are in the earliest stages of the disease, they may exhibit some of these signs. Getting help as soon as possible ensures that seniors are able to get the support they need managing their new health issues and cognitive changes. Home care is also something for families to consider because they can make daily life both easier and safer for seniors with dementia.
Trouble Communicating
Dementia affects a person’s ability to communicate effectively. Some seniors have trouble finding correct words or using incorrect words. They might also have trouble following conversations, even avoiding them when they would normally join in. It might be difficult for seniors to maintain their train of thought, especially while talking. They might also repeat themselves without realizing they’re doing so.
Changes in Problem-solving Abilities
Seniors in the early stages of dementia may find it more difficult than ever to solve problems and plan ahead. That means that making decisions can be harder than it has ever been. Seniors may start to have trouble with daily tasks such as following recipes, managing finances, and dealing with simple tasks like getting dressed.
Impaired Judgment
Because making decisions is so difficult, seniors with dementia also find themselves making unsafe or extremely bad choices. This impaired judgment can show up in a variety of different ways. Having senior care providers available can make this difficulty much easier for family members to manage along with their seniors.
Memory Loss
Losing memory is an extremely common symptom of dementia and many seniors become worried even if they’re experiencing normal memory trouble. This type of memory loss goes deeper, however. It involves forgetting recent events as well as important dates and the names of people they love. Repetitive communication and activities often occur because of memory loss.
Trouble with Familiar Tasks
Familiar tasks are ones that most people have done for years on end in the same way. It can be incredibly troubling for seniors to suddenly find themselves having trouble getting dressed, grooming themselves, cooking meals, and doing a variety of other daily tasks. This is another area where home care providers can be immensely helpful for seniors with dementia.
Changes in Mood and Behavior
Seniors with dementia may also exhibit changes in both moods and behaviors. For instance, seniors may be more irritable or anxious than they usually are. They may also become paranoid or suspicious of the people around them, even family members. This can be jarring for seniors and the people who love them.
Repetitive Behaviors
People with dementia may also engage in repetitive behaviors, even if there is no obvious need for them to do so. Pacing, wandering, and asking the same questions over again are common repetitive behaviors that seniors might exhibit when they have dementia. Managing repetitive behaviors properly is essential in keeping seniors safe.
Early diagnosis and intervention is key for seniors with dementia. Spotting some of these signs early enough can make a timely diagnosis easier to access. Home care providers can offer essential support that seniors and family caregivers can rely on.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Buford, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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