As your parents age, your relationship evolves and changes. They were once caregivers and advocates for you, but as they grow older, they will need you to become an advocate for them. One of the most common problems of the elderly is dementia, which affects their cognitive abilities in many ways as it progresses.
Dementia has a variety of causes, but the results are always difficulty with memory and doing specific tasks. If you suspect one or both of your parents has developed dementia or physical problems that require assistance, it’s time to assess their capabilities.
Observation
When visiting your parents, watch how they handle daily tasks such as dressing themselves, preparing a meal, balancing their checkbook or taking care of their home. Physical activities such as tying their shoes, making a sandwich or cleaning up a room may now be more difficult.
Ask yourself whether they are safe in their current situation or if it would be better for them to be in Assisted Living, where someone can help them with daily activities.
Also, take note of whether they remember to pay bills, turn off the stove, or take medications appropriately. Another sign may be putting things in the wrong place. Examples might be finding their keys in the refrigerator, their shoes in the washer, or important documents in the trash. If they have become too forgetful, it could lead to injury or medical problems. Some seniors become lax about personal hygiene. If this is the case, assisted living could be an option. Others may no longer be able to.
Poor judgment is another sign of dementia. Your parents may fall for financial scams that seem obvious to you. They may start buying things they don’t need and that don’t make sense. They may also go outside in cold weather without a coat or shoes or take unnecessary risks because they no longer recognize the dangers.
Listening
Listening to what your parents are saying is crucial to catching signs of dementia early on. If they are sometimes forgetful, it may be an early indication of dementia. Some signs of possible dementia you should listen for include:
- Repeatedly telling the same stories to the same people
- Searching for words they should know
- Asking the same question multiple times even though you’ve already answered
- Talking to themselves excessively
Everyone forgets what they’ve said or can’t think of a word occasionally, but if it happens more regularly, pay attention.
Input From Others
Outside of your parents’ hearing, ask their friends and other relatives if they have noticed changes in your parents’ abilities or memories. If you don’t see your parents every day, those closer to them might notice small changes before you do. With dementia in particular, it is easy to miss gradual changes. An individual can be lucid one minute, then become confused just moments later.
Ask Simple Questions
Dementia causes a variety of problems with memory and performance. If you suspect your parents are having memory problems, ask some simple questions such as who the president is, what year it is, and where they are.
You can also give them a simple list of four words to remember, then ask them to repeat the words back a few minutes later. If any of these tasks confuse them, it may be time to discuss options such as assisted living or a memory care facility with your parents.
Problems with memory can also be evident when an individual tries to follow simple instructions. If a parent increasingly forgets how to do the laundry, follow a recipe, or do easy tasks, it could be a sign of dementia.
Talk to Their Doctors
It’s easy to talk to your parents’ doctors if they have given him or her permission to discuss their health with you. If they haven’t done this, the doctor can’t discuss their health with you, but you can mention your concerns.
Most physicians will then be on alert for any troubling indications of physical or mental impairment. Many will do their own memory test on patients at this juncture to make sure your parents are capable of caring for themselves.
If you suspect one or both of your parents may need to move to an Assisted Living Home or Memory Care Facility, the professionals at Senior Living Specialists can help. We will start with a needs assessment to determine which solution is best for your family, then guide you in choosing the best living arrangements in the Dallas area.
We strive to find the best setting for your parents to enjoy their remaining years in comfort and safety. Call us at (214) 9292-5055 or fill out our simple contact form and one of our senior living specialists will reach out to you.
