If you have a loved one who is showing signs of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or general cognitive decline, contacting their doctor is the first step to confirm a diagnosis. They may suggest that the next step is looking for a dedicated memory care community to help manage your loved one’s memory loss. This process should not be overwhelming. Many senior living communities offer a continuum of care that includes dedicated senior memory care services. Recognizing the early signs of dementia can help guide you in making important decisions about the ongoing care for a loved one in your life.
Give the Westminster Place treatment team a call at 903.329.6520 to learn more about how to spot the signs of dementia in seniors and discuss your memory care options. Our community in Longview, Texas, provides expert care to seniors with cognitive decline.
Who Is At Risk for Dementia?
As loved ones age, it is natural to be concerned about their health and well-being. One of the most common concerns that arise is the risk of dementia. Dementia affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on an individual’s life as well as their family members.
But who is at risk for developing dementia? While there is no one exact cause, there are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. These include age, family history, lifestyle choices, and existing health conditions.
Two of the most significant risk factors for developing dementia include head injuries and heart conditions. Head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, while heart conditions can restrict blood flow to the brain and cause damage over time.
What Are the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia?
Noticing that a senior you care about is acting out of character can be an early indicator that they may be suffering from dementia. While memory problems are fairly common among seniors, they can also point to signs of a bigger problem.
Here are 10 warning signs of dementia:
1. Difficulty with Basic Tasks
Memory loss can lead to seniors having difficulty completing everyday tasks that were once easy for them, such as paying bills or following recipes.
2. Struggling with Familiar Words
It’s normal for seniors to forget a word here and there. However, regularly forgetting familiar words or using the wrong ones can be a sign of dementia.
3. Changes in Mood and Personality
Look out for changes in behavior, such as being more withdrawn than usual, becoming easily confused, or suddenly not interested in activities they used to enjoy.
4. Difficulty Understanding Visual Images
Just like with language, if a loved one struggles to recognize familiar objects or people, this can be a sign of dementia.
5. Poor Judgment or Decision Making
When a senior is no longer able to make sound decisions about their safety and health, it could be an indication of dementia.
6. Loss of Spatial Awareness
Not being able to judge distances or navigate around familiar places can point to cognitive decline.
7. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Those with dementia can experience changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and being up at night.
8. Loss of Initiative
Becoming less motivated to do activities that used to bring joy is another sign of a decline in cognitive functions.
9. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Seniors who have been social may begin to become more and more reclusive.
10. Repeating the Same Questions
Asking the same questions over and over again, even if they were just answered, can be a sign of cognitive decline.
If you’ve noticed any of these early signs of dementia in your loved one, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Memory care communities can provide expert care in a secure environment.
What to Look for in a Memory Care Community
When looking for a memory care community, finding a comfortable, home-like environment for your loved one to reside in while they receive the care they need is key. This can include a private suite and access to common areas within the safety of a secure memory care community, like a courtyard, garden, and dining spaces. This is all in addition to top-notch memory care from qualified professionals.
Services and amenities in a memory care community can include:
- Memory-enhancement programming
- Meals are provided by on-site culinary professionals
- Communal dining and living spaces (indoors and outdoors)
- Individual control over heating and cooling in each suite
- Daily housekeeping
- Weekly laundry services
- Cable television and internet access
- Maintenance and repair services
- On-staff social workers and religious personnel
- A safe and secure environment with a 24-hour emergency response system
- Salon services on-site
- Respite stay options
Westminster Place provides premier memory care options for your loved ones when they show early signs of dementia. Located in Longview, Texas, our community offers a secure and home-like environment for seniors with cognitive decline.
Call Westminster Place to Enroll Your Loved One in Memory Care
If you think that a senior you care about may be living with dementia, then it’s time to check in with their doctor and inquire about memory care. Enrolling them in a community that specializes in caring for seniors with dementia can help manage their symptoms and ensure that they receive the support they need.
At Westminster Place, we are able to provide therapy and resources to treat dementia in seniors within a comfortable, caring, and home-like environment. Each resident of our memory care community receives a treatment plan customized for them. The goal is to manage their memory loss, work to slow its progression, and help them maintain their dignity.
Contact us at 903.329.6520 to speak to find the care your loved one needs today.