Being Aware of Dementia

I have heard countless stories about residents at nursing homes who have claimed that someone has stolen or hidden one of their personal belongings. Sometimes, these claims have substance behind them,but much of the time, the item was simply misplaced. It might be something like dentures or a hearing aid, or it could be something with more sentimental value, like a book, photo album, or stuffed animal. It really doesn’t matter what the item is, it is a frustrating experience.

 

For those of us in a position of authority in our families, it can be really easy to write this off as paranoia, but that’s not smart or kind. Not only is this genuinely frustrating or even anger provoking for the person experiencing it, it can also be a reflection of a larger health issue. One reason why this happens is because of age related dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Misplacing items or confusion when it comes to this type of simple task can both be early signs of this. If this is a concern that you have for a loved one, it is very important that you speak to a medical professional so that you follow the proper steps to ensure that your parent receives the best care possible.

 

And while dementia is a very real and very serious health concern, it is not the only reason why something gets misplaced. Think about your own personal life, for example. Have you ever lost your car keys, wallet, or something else? If you’re like me, you have a set place where you keep things and when something isn’t right where it should be, it’s because someone moved it. Sometimes this is true; I do have children that like to get into things. But sometimes it’s just because I was lazy and put my wallet on the first clean surface I found. And I almost always blame my kids before I realize it’s my own fault.

 

Forgetfulness can be an early warning sign of dementia, but sometimes it’s just… forgetfulness.

 

The point is, we are all human and do silly things once in a while and forget things that we shouldn’t. This happens. While it can sometimes be an early warning sign of dementia, this alone is not indicative of a problem or of a deep need for professional care. Yes, keep your eyes open around your loved ones and be observant. But occasional forgetfulness alone isn’t often a sign that you should be worried about.

 

With that said, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you do have concerns, please get in touch with a doctor today. And if you are looking for senior care for a loved one with dementia, be sure that you choose the right service based upon their physical and cognitive needs. If we here at Paradise In-Home Care can answer any of your questions, we would be honored. Give us a call and schedule a free consultation to get started. People with dementia have specific needs, and it’s important that you be happy with the care they receive. Our aim is to take care of both of those things.

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