Witnessing somebody you love begin to lose cognitive ability, even memory, is difficult. There is no easy way to handle this situation. Perhaps you recognized the earliest signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease within your mother or father some time ago, but despite the gradual progression, you hoped against hope it was something other than that.
People have memory challenges all the time, whether they are in their teenage years, young adult life, middle-aged, or well into their 70s or 80s. Sometimes we forget where we put our car keys. Sometimes we leave our phone or a hot coffee on top of our car as we ruffle through a pocketbook or our deep pockets for the keys, hop on inside, and totally forget what’s on top of the roof as we drive away.
Yet, memory loss and memory related challenges that are associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is different. It’s not something that is temporary, not something that’s going away. It is vital that when you recognize certain memory challenges in somebody you love, especially somebody in their 60s, 70s, or 80s, that you encourage them to visit their doctor for proper diagnosis.
Who knows, it could be related to prescription medications or some aspects of dementia that can be treated and potentially reversed. Alzheimer’s is different, though. There is no current cure for the disease. And when you’re supporting or witnessing an aging parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, friend, or close neighbor dealing with this, you want to help.
Memory care assisted living is the way to help.
Assisted Living Theodore, AL: Memory Care and Seniors
Make no mistake about it, there are no easy options or solutions when it comes to Alzheimer’s. However, assisted living that is focused on memory care support is one of the best to discuss. It is a wonderful elder care option for those who have been diagnosed and are dealing with Alzheimer’s.
When should a senior consider moving into a memory care facility?
As soon as possible. Even though shortly after diagnosis an elderly person will seem to be very capable of tending to his or her own basic care, the sooner they settle into their future home, the more comfortable it will be for them, especially as the memory loss expands.
A year or two from now, they may look around and suddenly have no recollection of where they are. That’s when staff, items of familiarity, and so on can help ground that individual. A staff member they have grown used to supporting them day in and day out could be the grounding wire that helps them regain some of their footing, even if they can’t regain their recollection right away.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes in those advancing years as the symptoms of Alzheimer’s become much more challenging. You know it’s time to discuss memory care assisted living when somebody you love has been formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
If they are exhibiting troubling signs and symptoms, encourage them to visit their doctor as soon as possible. The sooner they are diagnosed, the sooner effective treatment options can be available.
About Cindy Johnson
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