5 Tips for Determining whether a Senior’s Memory Problems Are Serious

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Determining whether a Senior’s Memory Problems Are Serious in Winnipeg, MB

The majority of people start noticing changes in their memory as they advance in age. An occasional memory lapse now and then is to be expected, but you still need to be alert for signs that things might be taking a turn for the worse. Knowing when to tell if a memory issue is serious helps you protect your aging loved one from a major accident.

1. Watch for Memory Loss that Disrupts Normal Daily Life

Even younger adults occasionally have difficulty remembering a name or other minor detail. Memory issues in seniors become a problem when they begin to impact their daily activities. For instance, your loved one may forget several important appointments, or you might see evidence that he or she forgot to pay the bills. This is a sign your loved one needs help handling daily routines so he or she doesn’t experience negative impacts from forgetting essential tasks. 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 address if their families opt for professional at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

2. Check for Confusion about Time & Place

Memory loss has begun to reach serious levels when seniors aren’t sure of what’s happening in their immediate environments. Some seniors might briefly mention they need to get ready for work even though they’re retired, while others could suddenly express confusion about where they are when out in public. These are signs that wandering could become a problem soon. Make sure your loved one has someone nearby the majority of the time to offer reassurance if he or she gets confused.

3. Listen for Changes in Speech

You might notice your loved one begins to use different words to compensate for ones he or she cannot remember, or he or she may take a long time to put together a response to a question. Seniors who can no longer remember the right words could face difficulty with conversations, and this puts them at risk for isolation. Changes in speech are often one of the earlier signs memory issues are progressing. Starting brain training activities now could help your loved one preserve a large part of his or her vocabulary and recall abilities. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. Winnipeg families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

4. See if They Have Other Cognitive Challenges

Seniors with memory issues related to something more serious than normal aging often have challenges with other cognitive tasks. For example, your loved one might have difficulty putting together a puzzle or following a set of instructions. Difficulty with spatial awareness and logical reasoning are two signs memory issues might be part of a cluster of symptoms that need to be checked out.

5. Arrange for a Memory Test

The most definitive way to tell if your loved one’s memory issues are serious is to seek the advice of his or her physician. Most seniors can go to their primary care doctors for simple memory tests that let them know if they may need further testing. Memory screenings typically require seniors to recall information they’re given, such as strings of numbers. They may also be asked to perform other cognitive tasks, such as putting lists of items in order. If your loved one has difficulty with these tests, you may need to plan to compensate for his or her changing abilities with more assistance at home. Seniors living with age-related cognitive issues can benefit from professional in-home care. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Winnipeg live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000.

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