Recognizing Signs of Dementia in the Warmer Months
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
The warmer months are one of those times in the year where family members begin to notice signs of dementia in their beloved senior. This season brings families together, with kids home from school and families taking vacations.
So some of these following signs might be what you notice.
Let's dive deeper into what to look out for.
Check the environment.
Sometimes you might notice dirty dishes lying around or old foods in the fridge. In scary situations, you might see dents in a vehicle which could indicate an accident has occurred. Fallen chairs or broken items could mean your senior had fallen. A disordered environment can be one of the first indicators of a senior with dementia.
Personal hygiene
There can be a sign that your aging loved one is not remembering to bathe or care for themselves on their own anymore. Perhaps you pick up on odors or notice empty toiletries in their bathroom. Or you may see a pile of dirty laundry and your senior is wearing the same clothing each time you visit.
Another sign is not as physical, but something you pick up on intuitively.
Depression.
While it's normal to experience negative emotions of sadness from time to time, your elderly parent might start showing longer term sadness on a deeper level. Ask them about their social life and daily routine. Check in with their feelings and have a meaningful conversation to gain a closer look.
The warmer months bring in much joy and togetherness amongst families. It’s a close second to Christmas! This is why it's important for you to take note of the signs of dementia and start talking with your family members about your next steps.
Many times, in the beginning, family members might decide to care for their senior loved one and split up the caregiving duties. This is a time-honored tradition and means you have a great heart.
On that note, asking for the helping hand of a caregiver does not mean you have given up on your parents. You don't have to feel guilty. Many families still embrace their giving heart while receiving the nurturing aid of a caregiver. In fact, it's a great gift to offer your senior the chance to age in place and independently at home.
Give your loved ones, seniors and all, a gift this warm-weather season by easing all of your lives and allowing your elder to age gracefully with in-home care. A caregiver can solve the needs of maintaining a clean environment that is safe, transportation to prevent risks of accidents, and offer support for a cleanly hygienic routine.
Contact us today and we can answer any questions you may have about the signs of dementia and offer suggestions on how to proceed.
We're here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about noticing dementia during hotter months and should not be construed as medical advice.
