As dementia progresses, it creates a variety of physical, psychological, and behavioral changes that can at first seem subtle but tend to increase in severity.
Here are 8 warning signs that it might be time for memory care:
1. Forgetting how to get to familiar places: Silver Alerts are all too common nowadays. When a senior becomes easily disoriented and forgets once-familiar places, it’s a warning sign for caregivers. If a loved one wanders from home and isn’t found quickly, the results are often devastating.
2. Fall risk: Mobility and balance problems increase as dementia advances. These can result in falls or near-falls, which are a leading cause of disability among older adults.
3. Weight loss: Unintended weight loss is common among people with dementia. It’s often caused by a poor diet, lack of interest in food or inability to make meals.
4. Impaired judgment: Poor judgment with finances or personal safety is another red flag. In fact, a new USC Dornsife study connects thickening of certain brain areas with financial vulnerability in aging adults.
5. Impaired vision: Eyesight changes, such as loss of depth perception and decreased spatial awareness, are common with some forms of dementia and can also cause dangerous falls.
6. Personal hygiene needs: Difficulty managing toileting needs or continence care is another sign your loved one might need more support.
7. Lack of social awareness or withdrawal: With dementia, some seniors begin making inappropriate public comments or jokes or showing a lack of social awareness, though others simply withdraw and become apathetic.
8. Activity: Problems keeping the senior engaged in meaningful activity might lead to increased levels of agitation and anxiety.
Other warning signs can include depression, frequent nightmares, and a diminished sense of smell. If more than one or two of these eight warning signs describe your situation, it might be time to explore your options for memory care.
Freedom Village at Brandywine ensures your loved one receives the best care. With its nationally recognized program, Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, Freedom Village can prioritize freedom and dignity.
If you’ve decided to start the search for a memory care neighborhood, you can learn more about Freedom Village at Brandywine. A Life Plan Community, the campus is home to a full continuum of care. That includes our nationally recognized memory care program.
