Memory Loss: When to Pursue Help
Multiple conditions can cause memory loss, and getting a diagnosis as soon as possible is the best way to keep your loved one safe and provide the care they need. Unfortunately, getting an early diagnosis is not easy for a good number of seniors living with memory loss conditions. For one, it may be difficult to distinguish normal forgetfulness from a very real disease like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. More importantly, it is beyond difficult for seniors, and their families, to accept that their loved one has a condition like Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to remember that denial will only cause more harm and will delay treatments that can ultimately provide and prolong a better quality of life for your loved one. In this article, our team of memory caregivers in Gloucester County will go over memory loss symptoms and how to know when it’s time to pursue help.
Normal forgetfulness vs. a memory loss disorder
Even the sharpest of individuals experience forgetfulness once in a while. Common examples of this include forgetting where you put your house key or wallet, forgetting someone’s name that you had just met, or forgetting the password to an online account. As we age, a gradual decline in memory is considered a normal part of the aging process. However, there are telltale signs to decipher between normal, aging forgetfulness and dementia. Here are the most common symptoms that your loved one may be experiencing a more serious memory loss disorder:
- Asking the same questions over and over again
- Forgetting common words when speaking
- Mixing easy words up — for example, saying “bathtub” instead of “bed”
- Taking significantly longer to do familiar daily tasks, like cooking dinner
- Misplacing items in inappropriate places — for example, putting a gallon of milk in a bathroom cabinet
- Getting lost while walking or driving in a familiar area
- Having irrational behavior or mood changes
If what you are noticing in your loved one is not mentioned above, or if you are still unsure about your new observation, it’s important to remember this one “golden rule.” You should seek memory loss help for your loved one if this new behavior affects their ability to work, live independently, or maintain social connections.
Seeking memory loss support for seniors in Gloucester County
It’s not easy to care for a senior with memory loss – especially without any support. If your loved one’s condition worsens and is beyond the help you can physically and mentally provide for them, know that there are resources available. Caring for a loved one with memory loss takes a team, and most of the time the best team can be found at a professional memory care community.
At UMC at Pitman, our Tapestries® memory care program encourages seniors with memory loss to find meaning and purpose in every day by enjoying their hobbies, releasing their tensions, and having social interactions. Our Life Enrichment Team Specialists (LETS) are on site 24/7 to ensure your loved one is safe and well taken care of at all hours of the day. LETS are also professionally trained in the latest memory care methods to maximize your loved one’s quality of life through cognitive exercises, social stimulation, and other proven therapies.
If your loved one is showing early signs of memory loss and you are having difficulty caring for them on your own, please call us today to find out whether a move into the Tapestries memory care neighborhood is the right option. To learn more about memory loss support in Gloucester County, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/
