Have you noticed a change in your loved one recently? Have they begun to forget things they’d usually remember, such as favorite recipes, important dates or what time or day it is? Do you notice them coming home later from outings or that it seems like they are getting lost and confused more often? This can be concerning for caregivers and family members. You may not be exactly sure what is going on, or you might have some idea that their age may be playing a part in their recent behavior, but do you know what is and is not a normal change in a senior’s memory? If not, it’s important to begin researching to find out.
According to Alison Wall, Senior Living Consultant at TreVista Antioch, an assisted living and memory care community in Antioch, CA, memory changes can be normal as a senior ages. “Some seniors may begin to exhibit symptoms of forgetfulness or occasional confusion, while others may experience some much more alarming changes that could be a warning sign of memory loss,” says Alison. “The main difference between normal aging and memory loss is that with normal forgetfulness, you remember what you forgot after a short amount of time. It may take a bit longer for seniors to recall certain information, but it will return to mind eventually. Seniors may forget where they placed their keys, forget names of acquaintances or forget an appointment once in awhile. This is not a huge cause for concern as long as there are no other warning signs of problematic memory loss and as long as memory returns.
“When a senior is diagnosed with memory loss, these issues may become progressively worse and you may notice your loved one has difficulty performing tasks, acts irrationally, gets lost or disoriented in familiar places or they have trouble making good choices. This can be alarming, so it’s important to talk to a doctor and receive a diagnosis as soon as possible.”
5 Warning Signs That Your Loved One May Need Memory Care
If you begin to notice that your loved one is exhibiting more troublesome signs of memory loss, it may mean memory care is in their future. Consider some of the following signs that indicate a move to a memory care community could be in your loved one’s best interest.
- Problems handling money and finances. When you are keeping up with your loved one’s finances, do you notice many small transactions that add up or large sums of money coming out of their bank account? Are they neglecting their bills? What about paying them twice because they have forgotten? It’s important to keep a close eye on their financial state as neglecting finances, making unwise purchases and falling for common scams can be a large warning sign that memory care could help your loved one.
- Issues with mobility. Is age making it harder for your loved one to do the familiar things they once loved to do? Are they having increased difficulty getting around or driving? Memory care communities offer the ideal solution because they are not only accessible, helping your loved one roam the community freely, but they also provide scheduled transportation which can ensure your loved one never misses an appointment, has plenty of opportunities to shop and immerse themselves in the community and stays safe while doing so.
- The home is no longer safe. If you notice your loved one routinely forgets to turn off their stove or oven after cooking, is tripping and falling more than usual or is unable to navigate stairs, it’s likely time for a memory care community. While it’s possible to put features in the home to protect your loved one, such as non-slip rugs, handles in the shower and near the toilet, handrails on the stairs and safety locks on areas your loved one shouldn’t be in, it can be restrictive and cause them to act out. Memory care communities have already anticipated these problems, which helped them design a community that is safe to wander and live in, without restrictions.
- Depression and isolation. If your loved one no longer wants to get out of bed, take care of their appearance or often seems lonely or upset, it’s a warning sign they may be depressed. When seniors are alone and have little social interaction, they can begin to feel depressed and isolated, which can make their health decline. Memory care communities offer a range of opportunities for seniors to get involved and get active within their communities, socialize with others and live more engaging lives.
- Sundowning and wandering. Memory loss can cause other health issues in seniors such as sundowning or wandering. This can make evenings more difficult and make it unsafe for your loved one to remain at home or driving. If they are prone to getting agitated around the evening or often state that they want to go home – even when they are home – keep a close eye on them to ensure they are safe. This is one of the biggest warning signs that memory care can help your loved one, so when you notice this, it’s important to act and talk to their doctor.
For more information about the warning signs that your loved one may need memory care, or to learn more about the differences between normal aging and memory loss, contact the team at TreVista Antioch. We can give you the guidance and support you need to make an informed decision that will both benefit your loved one and keep them safe. Call us today at 925•329•6292.
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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