Signs Your Loved One May Need Memory Care

November 01, 2021 / Informative

Dementia has tremendous physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on those living with it, as well as their families and caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia can all cause symptoms of dementia, requiring specialized care to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

But when is that level of care needed? Because symptoms of dementia are often gradual, it can sometimes be difficult to determine when additional care is needed—such as that offered within a memory care facility.

For many seniors with dementia, memory care can be very beneficial to maintain a good quality of life. If your loved one is demonstrating one or more of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider the possibility of memory care.

Difficulty Completing Everyday Tasks
One of the many signs of progressing dementia is finding it difficult to complete daily tasks like driving to a familiar place, paying bills, or cooking. While all of us can be forgetful every now and again, the forgetting of common routine tasks can be a cause for concern.

Communication Challenges
Those with dementia can have difficulty following or participating in conversations. Your loved one may struggle to remember a word, repeat themselves, or withdraw from discussions.

Misplacing Things
Losing items or placing them in unusual locations is another common sign of dementia. Difficulty remembering where something is or accusing others of stealing often go hand-in-hand with this behavior.

Confusing Dates, Times, and Locations
Individuals with dementia often lose track of dates, times, and even seasons and years. This is sometimes coupled with forgetting where they are or how they got there.

Mood Changes
Dementia can bring on a range of emotions and moods, including confusion, suspiciousness, depression, fear, and anxiety. Even minor disruptions to normal routine can trigger mood swings.

At Senior Care AZ, our team of senior living experts can help you navigate this challenging time and understand the options available.