Forgetting things is normal for the average person, and the mind gets slightly worse as individuals age. However, Alzheimer’s and dementia are scarier forms of memory loss that can seriously alter a person. It’s helpful to know what to expect to determine when memory care is necessary.
Your family member needs the help they need if they’re developing memory issues, but you also need assistance for your overall health, protection, and safety. Keep reading to learn more about nine indications your family member needs memory care. Some signs are obvious, while others might not be as clear.
1. Your Family Doesn’t Feel Safe
As dementia or Alzheimer’s progresses, it can lead to symptoms that are scary and can be violent. It can be tricky to contain a fully grown adult. Whether you have children at home or are scared for yourself, safety is a big consideration. If you don’t know what’s coming, it can lead to an unhealthy situation for all.
If you don’t feel safe in your home, you could need memory care. Trained professionals are ready and educated in these situations and are far more equipped for healthy handling.
Related: Sundowing Syndrome: (What it is and How to Combat it)
2. Caregiving is Tricky
As an adult, you have responsibilities. Unfortunately, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s require significant care as it worsens. Many adults don’t have the time or money to spend every moment of their day with their loved ones, which can be dangerous and stressful.
If you don’t care for your life, you can’t care for them. Memory care is helpful to ensure your senior is protected and you can still care for them when it works in your day.
3. Doctors See Changes
It’s hard to notice things objectively as someone close to a senior. If your doctor notices significant changes, it could be a good sign memory care is an excellent choice for the future.
You can also ask your senior’s adult about their thoughts on memory care. If they know the patient, they can suggest the best choices for their best quality of life.
4. Behavioral Shifts
One of the most significant signs of memory issues is behavioral shifts. There are typically progressive changes like anger or weight loss, which can be tricky to notice if you’re around the family member constantly. Those who are only with the member a few times a year are more likely to notice it.
Ensure you separate yourself from the situation and examine their behaviors over time objectively, seeing how they’ve changed in worrying ways. There can be changes in the general personality or typical tendencies. Sometimes, behavior can get dangerous and is best assisted through memory care from a professional.
Related: Forgetfulness: When is Memory Loss Dangerous?
5. Struggles in Daily Living
One of the most significant signs of memory issues is if they struggle with tasks associated with daily living. They might have issues using the bathroom solo, eating, drinking, getting dressed, and more. They need more help than ever just to get ready for the day.
If you want to see if these troubles impact your senior, watch for the following:
- Incontinence
- Not dressing right for the weather or occasion
- Struggles eating or drinking
- Issues bathing or dressing entirely
These are sure signs of progressing memory issues. It’s helpful to get a doctor’s examination at this point. From there, it might be ideal to incorporate memory care to ensure they can complete their basic needs in life for their comfort and health.
6. Poor Health Tendencies
With dementia and Alzheimer’s, behaviors tend to change. Unfortunately, health habits can shift as it progresses and can lead to dangerous conditions as time goes on. Noticing your loved one doesn’t care for themselves properly could be a sign it’s time to get them some memory care.
Poor health tendencies include the following:
- Eating terribly, losing or gaining weight suddenly
- Forgetting to take prescription medicine
- Not working out or moving at all
The quality of life can drop suddenly. Memory care facilities are equipped to help seniors remember to keep themselves healthy. They assist with eating, provide reminders for taking pills, and ensure older adults are ready to keep moving.
7. No Participation in Social Activities
One of the biggest aspects of a person’s health is if they participate in social activities. If your senior was previously active in their social life and has now stopped all social activities, it could be a sign they need memory care.
Many people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia will become afraid to leave their homes. They could isolate themselves from all social situations for their protection and comfort in this new time. If you need assistance getting them to socialize, memory care will cater to their ability while encouraging comfortable and helpful social situations.
8. Unsafe Living Conditions
As Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, your senior’s living conditions can become dangerous. They might leave burners on in the home, run into falling hazards, get bruises they can’t remember, and more. Family members examine all the possible unsafe living conditions in a home.
Does your loved one wander into dangerous conditions? Do they have a pet they aren’t feeding or washing? Are they misusing chemicals for cleaning in the home? Determine the biggest hazards in their house. If there are multiple, it might be time to get your loved one memory care for their health.
9. Dangerous Wandering
A surprising and dangerous aspect of losing memory is wandering. One of the most common signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s is a tendency to wander, which is where a person drifts out of the home and can’t get back to where they started. It can get to a point where the person is putting themself in significant danger, such as crossing busy roads or hitting terrible weather.
If your loved one wanders, a memory care facility is helpful. They have higher levels of security, ensuring your senior remains inside the building until someone can accompany them outside. One person at home can only do so much.
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