Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are just two of the age-related cognitive ailments that your loved ones may experience later on in life. The sad thing about these conditions is the fact that you will not be able to notice them right away. In fact, symptoms vary from one person to another, from time to time. If you think they need memory care, but you are quite unsure of it, read on to know how you can decide about the situation.
You Seem to Worry a Lot
As a family member, worrying for someone you love is already part of your natural emotions. Worrying a lot is another thing though. Do you seem uneasy leaving your loved ones at home while you are in the office attending to your daily work? Do you feel like calling every hour just to check on them? When this is the case, it is best to transfer them to communities that offer memory care. Do not get stuck in denial, or it might already be too late for you to make the move.
The Feeling of Stress
This applies not just to you, but to your loved ones’ caregivers as well. Caring for someone with a cognitive issue is daunting and stressful. That stress even worsens, once the symptoms become even more evident. This can be a burden on your part, and your caregiver may already voice out feeling the same thing. When this happens, memory care is a solution you should not miss out on.
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes are part of the first signs that your loved ones need memory care. Memory loss and confusion are among parts of aging. While they are common, they should not be ignored at all. They may already become angrier, more anxious, and irritable. You may already be having a hard time keeping up with their tantrums. If they often cry for no reason at all or shout at anyone without valid causes, they may need assistance.
There are a lot of behavioral changes that you must take note of. They vary depending on which stage of dementia they are undergoing. They may become aggressive, delusional, and hallucinate at one point, then feel confused and agitated thereafter. They may also be impulsive, compulsive, and depressed. When you notice sleep disruptions, you can take that as a sign as well.
Overall Health Decline
Have your loved ones lost weight lately? If they do, then you have to take that as a sign of a problem. Ignoring the situation may lead to more chronic illnesses later. At the first sign of health decline, you must already convince yourself that it may be time to move them to assisted living communities.
In a senior living community, your loved ones will be able to live the life that they deserve, after all those years that they have cared for you. Now is the time for them to mingle with others, attend social activities, and be part of a community where they are most welcome.
