Many people in the general population are surprised to discover that many people who have a dementia diagnosis can continue to live independently.
Indeed, even those that have a more aggressive form of this disorder or are further along in their cognitive decline may be able to live in settings aimed at enhancing their independence with support. However, as any carer who has worked with people who have dementia will tell you, this is a disorder that can vary from day to day, meaning that it can be very difficult for those who have parents showing the signs of dementia to know when it is time to place them into an assisted living facility or even a care home. If you have concerns that your loved one does have dementia, then you will need to look for a facility specified towards memory care.
So, what are the signs that this intervention may be needed? Read on to find out.
They Are Neglecting Their Physical Hygiene
There are many reasons why an elderly person may be neglecting their physical hygiene.
Perhaps they have mobility issues and can no longer shower correctly. However, if they are simply forgetting to bathe or are delaying doing so, it may be time to look for somewhere like Webster Groves memory care for them to live more permanently. In these facilities, the physical hygiene of your loved one will be cared for by trained staff based on a strict routine.
Bills Aren’t Being Paid
Most people forget to pay a bill from time to time, so this in itself is not a concern. However, if every single bill that your loved one has is not being paid on time, and they are incurring arrears, it may be time to consider placing them into a supported living setting. In such a place, they will not need to worry about paying bills, and this will take a great deal of pressure off of their mental state.
They Forget Things Every Day
As mentioned before, it’s easy to forget to pay bills, but if your loved one is forgetting to buy food, forgetting where they live, or even forgetting the names of their friends and family routinely, these are all worrying signs. It can indicate that they are in a more advanced stage of dementia or other types of memory and cognition-based illnesses, so aim to get them assessed promptly.
They Are Having More Injuries
You may be wondering how memory issues are related to injuries. In short, if a person has Alzheimer’s or even Lewy Bodies dementia, these disorders present with muscle wastage, meaning that your loved one may find it harder to stand or move about in their home, increasing the chances of them becoming injured. So, if you notice that they have more bruises or injuries, it may be time to move them into a supported setting simply for their safety if their home cannot be adapted.
They Are Becoming Withdrawn
Becoming socially withdrawn is another worrying sign that many people have relating to their parents. It can be a sign of mental illness, such as depression, but it is also a symptom of many disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or even Addison’s disease. Always look out for changes in behavior and have them medically assessed as soon as possible.
