Diagnosing dementia can be a complicated process because its symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. If you suspect an elderly loved one is developing dementia, it’s vital to get an official diagnosis as early as possible so he or she can begin receiving high-quality Victoria dementia care. To help you determine if your loved one is exhibiting dementia symptoms, the staff at Home Care Assistance in Victoria has put together a list of a few common warning signs along with some tips to help stave off the condition.
Memory Loss That Interrupts Everyday Life
Though it’s normal for seniors to occasionally forget a name or an appointment, memory loss that interferes with daily life is not normal. Forgetting dates and events on a regular basis or repeatedly having to ask for the same information is a common early sign of dementia. Help your loved one stay organized and remain independent by writing events and appointments on a calendar or setting up alarms or cellphone reminders.
Difficulty Following Directions
You may notice your loved one has difficulty making a meal he or she has cooked many times in the past. Dementia can make it challenging to concentrate on following recipes and other directions, which makes simple tasks like cooking or cleaning more difficult. Playing concentration games and putting together puzzles can increase your loved one’s concentration and help him or her focus on directions for simple tasks.
Confusion About Money
Money management issues may indicate your loved one is developing dementia. Your loved one may hesitate to pay with cash, become confused about how much to pay, or ask the cashier or others in the store to help count the change out. Other examples of problems with money include writing out checks for the same bill more than once, difficulty balancing a checkbook, and forgetting to pay bills. Your loved one can delay further complications with dementia by learning new skills, which can build new brain connections and increase his or her focus when managing finances.
Decreased Conversation Skills
Many seniors in the early stages of dementia have a hard time listening and responding to an entire conversation. Your loved one may stop mid-sentence, unsure of what to say next, or repeatedly forget the words he or she wants to use. Encourage your loved one to read, and take him or her to a library or local bookstore if he or she needs new reading material. Reading more often can strengthen your loved one’s brain and help him or her build a larger vocabulary.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, Home Care Assistance can provide the support he or she needs. Our expertly trained caregivers can engage your loved one in mentally stimulating activities, provide social stimulation, and help with a wide variety of daily tasks. For more information on elderly home care Victoria seniors and their families can count on, call (250) 592-4881 today. Our qualified Care Managers are available 24/7 to schedule your free in-home consultation.