As we age, our brains begin to have more difficulty keeping up with the world around us. If there is a history of degenerative memory loss issues in your family, you should pay particular attention to your loved ones as they age and watch for signs of severe memory loss. If the disease progresses far enough, you may need to start looking for assisted living near Orlando.
Signs of Memory Loss
There is a difference between normal memory lapses and severe memory loss. If you’re a caretaker for an elderly loved one, it’s imperative that you understand the differences and can recognize more serious warning signs for severe memory loss diseases.
Be on the lookout for these signs:
- New or worsening issues with communication
- Trouble with familiar tasks
- Misplacing important items
- Mood swings, particularly dealing with agitation or paranoia
- Poor hygiene and judgment
- Wandering
- Repetitive actions or speech
These symptoms might be signs of memory diseases that can progressively get worse. Sometimes these symptoms (especially mood swings) can be triggered by outside sources. Learning what prompts these symptoms can help you assist your loved one.
Types of Memory Care
The type of care your loved one needs depends on what kind of memory loss disease they suffer from, as well as its severity. The most common memory loss disease in older adults is Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disorder that destroys the brain’s ability to remember things and perform basic tasks. Early stages of Alzheimer’s include memory problems and finding the right words, vision issues, and impaired judgment. Those with this condition may need any, some, or all of the following memory care accommodations:
- Medication management
- Transportation
- Memory-enhancing activities
- Laundry
- Personal care assistnace
- Mobility assistance
- 24/7 care and supervision
If you catch the disorder early enough, you can manage most symptoms with medication. However, as time passes, it may become apparent that medicine and care are not enough to ensure their safety and independence, and your loved one could eventually need 24/7 supervision.
When to Call for Help
When a loved one suffers from a memory loss disease, it can be challenging to care for them. They may become violent during mood swings, or you may have difficulty keeping an eye on them if they are prone to wandering. When you can no longer safely care for them, it may be time to bring them to a retirement care community.
Winter Park Independent Living
Here in Winter Park, we aim to keep your loved ones safe and cared for with various levels of personalized care. Our assisted living program includes services that will keep your loved ones safe, enriched, and healthy through their retirement years.
Services include:
- On-site security
- Medication management
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Restaurant dining
- And much more!
Winter Park independent living services aim to help you feel comfortable about the tough decision to let someone else look after your family. If you’re looking for independent living facilities in Orlando for your loved ones, we hope to be your first choice.
