Navigating Dementia: 10 Signs Memory Care May Be the Next Step
Memory care is a type of specialized care that is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care communities provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with memory loss. But how do you know if this option is right for your family? Let’s take a look at the top signs that a person is experiencing the early stages of dementia and may need extra support.
10 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care
1. Difficulty Completing Once-Familiar Tasks
Your loved one is having trouble with activities that used to be easy or routine for them. They may get confused or lost driving to the grocery store, forget how to complete a beloved hobby, or struggle with tasks like bill payment.
How is this different from normal aging?
Older adults may need help setting up a new streaming device or occasionally forget where they parked at the store. If the task was easy before, but new trouble arises, you may want to consider memory care services.
2. Misplacing Items or Being Unable to Retrace Their Steps
Your loved one is putting things in unusual places on a regular basis. They may not be able to think back over their steps to find lost items, and in some cases, may accuse their loved ones of deliberately misplacing or even stealing those items.
How is this different from normal aging?
We’ve all misplaced our keys from time to time. A sign of dementia is when a person can’t think back over their steps to find the lost object or is regularly losing things.
3. Memory Loss that Gets in the Way of Daily Life
Your loved one seems to forget information that they’ve recently learned and has started asking you the same questions repeatedly. They’re missing important events or have been relying on memory aids much more than usual to remind them of dates and appointments.
How is this different from normal aging?
People usually remember the forgotten name or event once someone reminds them. People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may not recall ever being told the information.
4. Confusion with Place or Time
Recently, your loved one has had trouble keeping track of the day, or even the season, expressing confusion about events in the past or future. They may not understand where they are or how they arrived there.
How is this different from normal aging?
This symptom goes beyond mixing up a Tuesday for a Wednesday. It’s a genuine misunderstanding of time or place that can deeply affect a person’s sense of stability and control over life. In these cases, residential memory care may be important for their safety.
5. Changes in Personality or Mood
Lately, you’ve noticed that your loved one is acting fearful, suspicious, depressed, or anxious in a way they never have before. They may be getting upset more frequently, especially in unfamiliar situations.
How is this different from normal aging?
It’s normal to be a little irritable when a routine is interrupted, but stark changes in behavior, mood, or personality are warning signs that a care plan could be beneficial.
6. Trouble with Vision and Spatial Relationships
Your family member is having trouble with their vision. They may have diminished peripheral vision, problems distinguishing blues and purples, or trouble judging distance. This could manifest itself in issues with driving, balance, or reading.
How is this different from normal aging?
Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person’s vision even when they have healthy eyes. It’s best to visit an eye doctor to rule out cataracts or other diseases of the eye first.
7. New Challenges with Language
Your loved one stops speaking in the middle of what they were saying, repeats themselves more than usual, or gets lost in conversation. They may become frustrated trying to name an everyday household object or stop joining conversations altogether.
How is this different from normal aging?
Occasional trouble with finding the right word is normal, and we all know a storyteller who loves to repeat the same tales. But if the person seems unaware of their repetition or is acting differently in conversation than usual, they may need additional support.
8. Social Isolation or Withdrawal
Challenges with language may cause your loved one to avoid work, social activities, or familial obligations. Even if they aren’t a social butterfly, the withdrawal is pronounced—they aren’t engaging in conversation or are becoming isolated.
How is this different from normal aging?
Occasional disinterest in social engagements isn’t a cause for concern. But prolonged social isolation can have a profound effect on older adults’ quality of life, so it’s important to be proactive. Memory care residences are a great way to boost social engagement.
9. Challenges in Problem-Solving or Planning
Your loved one has never had trouble following steps and guides like recipes until recently. They may not be able to keep track of bills the way they used to or think through challenges to find a solution.
How is this different from normal aging?
To err is human, and a few mistakes or missteps shouldn’t be cause for alarm. People living with dementia, however, frequently struggle to work with numbers, develop a strategy, or follow a plan.
10. Diminished or Poor Judgment
You’re concerned that your loved one is spending money carelessly, bathing less frequently, or letting the house become dirty long after they normally would have intervened. They’re letting some activities of daily living fall by the wayside.
How is this different from normal aging?
The key factor in all of these signs is change. Any new or unusual changes in judgment should be taken seriously, as they could lead to financial or health-related problems.
Get Personalized Help from a Senior Care Advisor
At CarePatrol, we understand that making the decision about assisted living and memory care facilities isn’t as easy as checking a few boxes. Each person’s personality, preferences, needs, and experience with dementia bring unique considerations and challenges. That’s why our senior care advisors are here to help—at no cost to you.
Our team is specially trained to help you identify the level of care your loved one needs and curate a list of solutions that best suit them. Your local advisor will walk you through every aspect of the process, accompanying you on community tours, setting up move-in assistance, and so much more. If you need an advocate in your loved one’s memory care journey, contact CarePatrol today!
Choose CarePatrol to Find the Best Memory Care Options Near You
CarePatrol has vetted thousands of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and other senior living options throughout the country, discovering the communities that provide the best possible care for our clients. Each CarePatrol advisor is a local expert in their area’s elder care services and is passionate about helping families like yours find their perfect care solution!