It is never easy to admit when a loved one starts to show signs of memory loss. The disorder can start slow, making it easy to miss and often confusing for everyone involved. At MediLodge of Lansing, our staff is experienced at noticing the signs and helping residents whose memories are not what they used to be. Maybe it has reached a point where your loved one needs more help than you can provide. We can help you decide what road to take. We know you want to hold on to their way of life, but not at the cost of their safety and health.
Firstly, it’s important to know the signs of memory loss. If their hygiene habits are slipping, this is often one of the first signs of failing memory.
As memory begins to decline, basic personal hygiene habits become more challenging to maintain. Some signs of this may include teeth that don’t get brushed, missed showers, and ungroomed hair. Your loved one may be forgetting to keep up on their personal care or have even forgotten how to perform the tasks at all. Because many of our residents need assistance, we provide all types of self-care services. Our caring staff will gently guide and initiate good grooming and hygiene habits. Also, it will help if any of the following seems to be happening more often:
Many who suffer from memory loss become unable to care for their home lives. If there’s a backlog of dishes to wash and bills to pay, it may be due to an increasing memory disorder.
In the early stages of memory loss, individuals can become withdrawn. Sometimes, they may realize something isn’t right or experience a change in behavior. As a result, they isolate themselves from the people or activities they once loved.
Of course, physical safety is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to memory loss patients. They become easily confused and can put themselves and their health at risk. For example, they may forget to turn off the stove or leave the front door open.
Not taking the proper steps to take care of health is a critical sign that dementia is worsening. Patients may fail to show up to doctor’s appointments. They may also forget to eat meals or end up snacking on unhealthy foods. Sometimes, your loved one may even mix up their medication schedule. Also, if your loved one has a chronic health condition, it may become worse due to improper care.
Changes in their physical appearance should trigger concern when a loved one is suffering from memory loss. Not only does it signal that their health is at risk, but it also reflects their state of mind as well. Noticeable weight loss is common due to forgetting to eat. However, others may experience weight gain when they forget that they have eaten and eat yet again. Also, if they are walking more slowly and hunched over, it could be a sign that they are having trouble remembering where they are going.
One of the more unexpected symptoms of dementia is hoarding. Because those who suffer from memory loss may forget they have bought an item, they continue to buy it every time they go to the store. Those boxes of cereal or many bottles of the same hand lotion could signal that their mental health is declining.
It’s never an easy decision to admit your loved one needs help. At MediLodge of Lansing, our staff has specialized training to be able to handle the situation with patience and professional care.
You will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is getting the care and protection they deserve. We are always available to answer your questions; contact us anytime with any of your concerns.
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