When a senior suspects they have memory loss, they may be riddled with emotions. They may be scared, upset, overwhelmed and even angry. It’s common for them to experience all of these emotions, but it’s how they react afterward that makes a difference. While some seniors cope with their disease and diagnosis, others may begin to find ways to cover it up so other people won’t know, sometimes denying they have memory loss altogether. When this occurs, it can be difficult, but if you believe your loved one may be covering up their disease, it’s important to notice the signs and symptoms so they can get the help they deserve.
According to Alison Wall, Senior Living Consultant at TreVista Antioch, an assisted living and memory care community in Antioch, CA, it’s often a good idea to take a step back and really look at your loved one as they age. “It’s likely you or other family members may never notice symptoms of memory loss if you are around them often or don’t know what to look for,” says Alison. “Take some time when you are with your loved one to really assess the situation. Do you notice they are more forgetful, quick to agitation and anger or are starting to not remember common names of people, places or things? What about dates? Take note of some unsettling signs and as you spend more time with your loved one, continue keeping an eye on them in order to determine if your loved one may be covering up their memory loss.”
Why Seniors Cover Up Symptoms of Memory Loss
- They don’t want to admit it because then it’s real.
- Fear of being looked at differently.
- They may be afraid of a move to a memory care community.
- It isn’t the right time to tell anyone.
5 Signs Your Loved One is Covering Up Memory Loss
Do you suspect your loved one has memory loss but is covering it up? Watch for some of the following signs.
- They are withdrawing from you and others. Seniors with memory loss will often start to withdraw from those they are closest to when they are diagnosed with memory loss because they don’t want anyone else to notice the changes they are going through. They may also want to cover up the symptoms because they are embarrassed and don’t want to be babied or felt sorry for, even though they know it’s just because people care. If they start canceling plans or backing out of traditions, it could mean they are covering up memory loss.
- Hobbies and new experiences are no longer pursued. Some seniors with memory loss lose their ability to remember how to do things they once loved. They may also not want to try new things because of fear of forgetting them. If your loved one was a long-time book club attendee or volunteer, and now resists the urge to do anything they once loved, it could be a sign of memory loss.
- They don’t like going out in public as much. Those with memory loss often start to become overstimulated or confused in crowded, public areas. This can lead them to quit going on outings for fear of this occurring. It’s also possible that they are afraid other people will begin to notice their memory loss or that they will run into someone they should know but don’t remember.
- Notes are written everywhere. If your loved one now relies on notes, calendars and messages as reminders, it could be a sign they are covering up memory loss. While it’s normal to forget things once in awhile, and common to write things down, those with memory loss completely rely on notes to tell them things such as dates of appointments or parties, recipes they used to know by heart and how to do certain things around the house.
- They stop calling people by their names. Is your loved one beginning to look at people like they may or may not know them? Do they refrain from calling anyone by their name and instead find ways to avoid saying their name? This can be one of the biggest signs they are covering up memory loss, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.
It could be possible your loved one doesn’t even realize they have a problem with their memory, or they may be in denial. This is often hard to witness, as you may be able to see clear as day that they do. If you believe this is the case, it’s important to talk to your loved one’s doctor as they can give you some better insight on how to handle this. They may suggest bringing your loved one in for an evaluation. If they do, begin taking detailed notes outlining your loved one’s behavior so they can better assess what may be affecting your loved one.
For more information about uncovering the signs your loved one is covering up memory loss, or for support coping with their disease, contact the team at TreVista Antioch. We can help provide you with the resources you need to connect and communicate with your loved one, while providing them with the care their disease requires. Contact us today.
Making the everyday extraordinary.
Family-owned and operated, Agemark Senior Living is the new owner of TreVista Antioch. Known for creating warm, welcoming communities, vibrant lifestyles and engaging programming, Agemark has been one of the most premier and trusted senior living providers since 1987. As Agemark’s newest community, TreVista Antioch is located on 10 acres in a prime location close to shopping and local attractions, as well as the great outdoors. Our beautiful community features a personalized, resident-centric approach to care that provides support, all while helping residents live full, connected lives.
At TreVista Antioch, we provide assisted living and memory care set in a beautiful environment that not only meets our residents’ needs but makes them, as well as their families, feel more at home. Although our gorgeous community is a plus, we truly believe it’s our programming and caring, dedicated staff that makes TreVista home. With our family-oriented inspiration and resident-centric approach, our residents flourish and experience days full of joy and meaning. Our staff learns each resident’s likes and dislikes and their values and pasts, right down to the dreams they never thought they could accomplish, in order to customize their care and make their dreams a reality.
LifeCycles wellness programming encourages our residents to connect, engage and enjoy life, every day. Our LifeCycles programming is designed to focus on the four dimensions of wellness: physical, social, spiritual and intellectual. This is achieved through a wide range of daily activities and routines, from outings and excursions to local events and programming at the community. At TreVista Antioch, our residents have the tools and care they need to make each day fulfilling, engaging and vibrant. Contact us to learn more!
Call us at 925•237•1952 for more information or to schedule a personal visit today.
TreVista Antioch is part of the Agemark family of senior living communities.
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