Has Your Senior Loved One Been Acting Strangely? Three Signs They May Need Professional Memory Care

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The aging process often changes how senior adults think. While no one wants to think about their loved one losing their memory, the truth is that it tends to happen to some degree to most seniors as they get older. Mild memory loss is often overcome with the help of alarms, calendars, and other devices. However,  there tends to come a point when living alone becomes dangerous for seniors who are unable to think properly. If your loved one just doesn't seem the same as they used to, then watch for these signs that they may need memory care.

They've Gotten Lost

Once memory loss is moderate to severe, your loved one may find common tasks they used to do all the time challenging. For instance, your loved one may get lost just driving to the grocery store or they may forget how to read a map on a road trip. Seniors with memory loss may also wander away from home and your loved one may generate enough concern from someone who sees them that they contact the police. You may also hear from a neighbor that had to get your loved one home safely. Wandering is especially dangerous for seniors and this warning sign means that your loved one may need professional memory care that can keep them safe even overnight.

They Have an Increasing Number of Struggles

A senior's memory loss may also lead to issues that would never have happened before your loved one began to experience cognitive challenges. For instance, their house's utilities may get shut off because your loved one forgets to pay their bills. Dementia-related memory loss could cause your loved one to accuse people of stealing things they have misplaced. Health problems may also arise due to medication mishaps or your loved one forgetting to eat. While forgetting to pay a bill or skipping a meal is something anyone can do, you should be worried if these events are happening regularly.

They Isolate Themselves

Your loved one may possess some self-awareness of their cognitive changes. They may pick up on your shock at their electricity being turned off. Your loved one may also feel awkward in social situations where they are expected to remember names and stories. Your loved one may begin to isolate themselves from the people that they love if they fear being found out. If your loved one has stopped going to social activities reach out to them to find out if memory loss is to blame. Helping them receive memory care services places them in contact with people who understand and can help them avoid being isolated as they age.

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17 June 2019