“Dementia” is a general type of medical term that is used to describe a cognitive-based decline and other symptoms that interferes with an individual’s daily life. It originates with physical changes that occur within the brain.
The most common symptom associated with this condition is memory loss. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most commonly diagnosed and experienced type of dementia, there are several types of dementia. These include – but, are not limited to – vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Dementia gradually progresses. Loved ones may find it difficult to determine when symptoms are severe enough for memory care placement. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the top 5 signs that it is time to seek out a senior care advisor for assistance in initiating the placement of your loved one in a memory care facility.
1. Safety
The main concern among all people who have a loved one with dementia is their safety.
Patients with dementia often wander, experience confusion, suffer from agitation, and may even have bouts of physical violence as a result of the changes occurring within their brain.
As a result, they may find themselves in situations where their health and their safety are endangered.
If your loved one has become injured, experienced an accident, hurt someone else, become lost, or you find yourself consistently worrying over their safety, it is time for memory care placement.
2. Health Concerns
When one suffers from dementia, it is quite likely that they will forget to take their medications, accidentally overdose on their medications, find themselves unable to prepare meals, will not properly store foods, or will forget to eat.
Improper medication management, lack of nutrition, and consuming spoiled foods could lead to further health problems. If dementia is interfering with your loved one’s health, the ability to manage medical treatment, and/or their eating habits, it may be time to consider memory care placement.
3. Hygiene
Body odor, physical signs of lack of hygiene and similar issues are not at all easy to discuss; however, if you observe these issues in a loved one with dementia, it indicates that they are losing the unique ability to care for themselves.
If you notice unclean or wrinkled clothes, putting on clothes inappropriately, complications in shaving, or a general rough appearance, cognitive issues may be taking their toll and memory care placement is necessary.
4. Financial Complications
Dementia patients eventually lose the ability to handle their finances. You may notice mail piling up, calls coming in from collection agencies, unpaid bills, utilities being shut off, unpaid property taxes, and signs of unusual activity on bank statements.
If your loved one starts experiencing financial complications, memory care is probably an ideal option.
5. Wandering
Many dementia patients eventually come to a point where they wander. They may become lost. You may be contacted because they were found and are unsure of who they are or where they live. This is a highly dangerous situation.
Patients that wander may not “see” the world and the dangers that are present around them. They may fall. They may trust people that they do not know, or, they may become increasingly paranoid and even violent towards others.
If your loved one is wandering and you are unable to stay with them at all times of the day and night, it is time for memory care.
Let Us Help
Dementia is a progressive issue. The symptoms typically start off quite slow and, eventually, worsen. Memory problems, thinking problems, and the inability to take care of oneself will occur.
If you start to notice these situations, it is time to seek out the assistance of a senior care advisor. These individuals will evaluate your loved one and get to know them and their health situation. They will then assist in determining the best type of memory care facility for their needs.
Contact us here at Beacon Senior Advisors today to get the professional and timely help that you need for your loved one. You need the help and we are here to help you!