Subtle changes in behavior can often signal significant shifts in health, especially when it comes to aging loved ones. While occasional forgetfulness is normal, a pattern of increased confusion or memory lapses can indicate cognitive decline. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for ensuring timely intervention and support, which can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and quality of life. This post will explore some of the subtle indicators of cognitive decline and offer guidance on how best to support aging loved ones during this challenging time.
Early detection is key. While some memory lapses are normal with aging, there are warning signs that may indicate a more significant decline.
A few red flags to look out for include:
- Frequent forgetfulness: Forgetting recent events, appointments, or conversations.
- Difficulty with familiar tasks: Challenges with cooking, driving, or managing finances.
- Changes in mood or personality: Increased irritability, anxiety, or apathy.
- Disorientation: Difficulty finding their way around familiar places or recognizing loved ones.
- Language difficulties: Trouble finding the right words, understanding conversations, or following instructions.
If you notice these signs, it’s essential to talk with your loved one and see if they are willing to consult with a doctor. An early dementia diagnosis allows for more time for proactive and supportive conversations with family members.
When it Comes to Cognitive Decline Plan for the Future
Proactive planning in cases of cognitive decline is imperative.
Working with your loved one to set up a Power of Attorney (POA) is crucial before cognitive decline significantly impacts their decision-making abilities. Once dementia is considered moderate to severe, it may no longer be possible to execute a POA without going through a court process.
Sometimes, seniors postpone setting up a POA, fearing they will no longer have autonomy over their lives. A common misconception is that granting someone Power of Attorney takes away a person’s right to make their own decisions. This is not true. The person granted Power of Attorney has authority, but they cannot override another’s rights so long as the grantor still has the legal capacity to make decisions.
Finding Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Support
Sometimes, families find themselves in an emergency, where they realize their loved one is not safe living alone. Hiring in-home caregivers and recruiting hands-on support from family and friends is always best, but in a pinch, there are a few short-term tools that may help keep your loved one safe while you explore long-term solutions.
One suggestion is to consider installing a camera, such as a Google Nest Hub or an Alexa Echo Show, with your loved one’s permission to check in on them remotely. For severe dementia, some families use tools like Life360 or even shoe trackers to ensure their loved one is not lost. If you need these tools, we suggest exploring more thorough care options sooner rather than later.
While some families can support their loved ones in their own homes by hiring 24-hour caregiving or by living there themselves, many will turn to local memory care communities when their loved one’s dementia progresses. These communities are typically best for individuals with significant cognitive decline, as the structure can provide comfort, routine, and essential healthcare oversight.
Families are often surprised by how well their loved ones adjust to life in memory care. The first few days and even weeks can be challenging, but after that, the environment allows for freedom of movement. Every living space and activity space within memory care is for the residents; they are no longer told they can’t go here or there without a chaperone. It’s also an incredibly social environment, which is so beneficial and life-enriching for someone with dementia.
Hospice of Redmond is committed to supporting individuals and families facing cognitive decline. If you notice that your loved one may be struggling in these areas, a good first step may be to ask Hospice of Redmond about their Transitions program. Transitions is a free non-medical service that offers valuable resources, guidance, volunteers, and emotional support through this challenging journey. To learn more about Transitions, visit the website here.