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Developing a dementia-related condition often affects how older adults are able to live their lives, and independence can slowly be lost as the condition progresses. If you’re caring for a senior loved one with dementia, the decrease in cognitive capabilities could make it dangerous to leave him or her unsupervised. Keep reading to discover more specific reasons it’s not a good idea to leave a loved one with dementia alone.
Wandering
Even if your loved one has been living in the same home for many years, he or she may have difficulty remembering how to return home after suddenly wandering off. Wandering tends to be especially problematic and dangerous for seniors with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Proper supervision can minimize this issue and keep your loved one safe.
Wandering is just one of the many challenges that can be addressed by hiring a trusted in-home caregiver. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Winnipeg senior care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
Poor Decision-Making Abilities
Opening the door to whomever knocks and signing up for offers from phone solicitors are among the signs that suggest the decision-making abilities of someone with dementia are diminishing. If you’re noticing similar signs with your loved one, making sure someone is always with him or her could result in:
• Fewer instances of falling for phone scams
• Reduced risk of a stranger gaining entrance to the home
• Increased personal and financial peace of mind for both you and your loved one
Not Being Able to Act Quickly
Dementia can make it difficult for seniors to react quickly or appropriately should an emergency occur when they’re alone. Diminished cognitive abilities could prevent your loved one from taking appropriate actions such as calling 911 or getting out of the house immediately. The right level of supervision can prevent potentially life-threatening issues from arising in the event of:
• Household fires
• Break-ins
• Gas leaks and other serious situations
Hallucinations
Seniors with dementia may reach a point where they see, hear, smell, or even taste things that aren’t real. Hallucinations like this tend to involve experiences or individuals from the person’s past. However, some seniors with dementia have potentially dangerous hallucinations that could present risks for themselves. For example, your loved one may perceive a shadow on the wall to be an intruder and react by grabbing something sharp and potentially harming him or herself or destroying things in the home. Hallucinations can happen at any time or right out of the blue, so constant supervision is a must.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Acting Out
Some older adults with dementia reach a point where they act out if they’re left alone, which is sometimes a response to anxiety or fear or no longer being able to verbalize their emotions or concerns. By having regular supervision and companionship, your loved one can feel safe and receive the reassurance he or she needs to remain calm and comfortable.
Fall Risks
Balance, coordination, and the ability to judge the distances of objects are some of the symptoms associated with some forms of dementia that could increase the risk of falling or tripping and getting hurt. In some cases, side effects associated with dementia medication could increase the risk of falling. With regular supervision, your loved one can have immediate access to assistance should he or she become unstable or fall, which could reduce issues with head trauma and other serious fall-related injuries.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Winnipeg, MB, families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. Call Home Care Assistance today at (204) 489 6000 to find out how we can help your loved one manage dementia and maintain a high quality of life.
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