During their later years, many people enjoy retirement and grandchildren. But age also brings changes such as memory loss, which can affect one’s daily mood, behavior, and self-care abilities. If a loved one exhibits dramatic shifts in their mental and/or physical capabilities, you should consider Alzheimer’s care services.
For senior care in or around Somerset County, MD, turn to a trusted provider: Coastal Home Care. Our team provides in-home, customized support for those navigating their advanced years. Along with dementia and Alzheimer’s care, we offer general elder care, hospice support, post-operative care, and medication management. Our experienced and professional caregivers are dedicated to comforting elders and providing their families relief. You can learn more about our updated treatment policies for COVID-19.
Below, we discuss the worries that naturally arise when aging loved ones suffer memory loss:
Common Anxieties About Memory Loss
Naturally-occurring forgetfulness vs. severe memory loss
Aging never occurs in a vacuum, and its effects often create many challenges and related issues. For instance, if a senior forgets an appointment, is it due to “natural” memory loss or a deep-set mental illness? Many seniors undergo mild cognitive impairment as a natural result of aging, yet they maintain their independence.
However, minor memory loss also presages dementia and Alzheimer’s, which are not a natural result of aging. Thus, even small memory issues in elders can raise concerns for many families. Such events should be reported to a doctor and, if necessary, they may order tests for your loved one.
Signs of severe memory loss include:
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Struggling with ordinary conversations
- Becoming lost in familiar places
- Becoming confused by instructions
- Losing track of time, dates, and people
Loss of cognitive functions
A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s brings concerns over the sufferer’s mental capacities. These degenerative diseases affect basic abilities including thinking, learning, and reasoning – along with memory. Thus, a senior with Alzheimer’s may make poor decisions, struggle with bills, or misplace things and struggle to find them.
Coastal Home Care’s Alzheimer’s and dementia services aim to support our patients. While no cure exists for these conditions, our caregivers can help your loved one manage their daily concerns. Pay attention to signs that your loved one needs assistance at home and turn to Coastal for that assistance.
Depression
One of the most debilitating effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s is the depression it causes in sufferers. The loss of independence and frustration over forgetfulness pulls down many seniors, which leaves them feeling isolated. But our experienced caregivers work with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to overcome depression. We guide them through problems one by one and manage expectations to stabilize their moods.
Medication side effects
After receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, patients should expect to take medication. The proper medicine can help mitigate various symptoms of these conditions. However, many also cause side effects: headaches, dry mouth, low energy, and more.
If your loved one starts taking medication, keep an eye out for these side effects. Although confusing at first, patients can adjust to these side effects. Our Alzheimer’s caregivers help them to set routines, create organized environments, and more to facilitate these adjustments.
Compassionate Alzheimer’s Care for Seniors in Somerset County, MD
You and your loved ones should enjoy the later years of life, even as you all age and change. No matter who needs some extra support, reach out to Coastal Home Care for services in Somerset County, MD. We offer elder care, hospice support, post-operative care, and Alzheimer’s care services among others. Our team provides compassionate concern and support for all patients, and we personalize our services for each patient. Call our Maryland line today at (410) 572-5606 or schedule a consultation with our online form.