Have you noticed your loved one forgetting things they once knew off the top of their head? Has it become more frequent? This can become a cause for concern and rightfully so. This article will discuss 4 signs your loved one needs memory care. If you are worried that your loved one might need more intense care than you can give at home, then it is time to explore the options available for memory care.
There are 4 signs to watch for to know if your loved one requires memory care. The first sign to watch for is that your loved one is forgetting things that they once easily knew. The second sign is that this forgetfulness is occurring more frequently. The third sign is that they are forgetting common words. And finally, the fourth sign is unusual mood swings.
Memory issues can be scary, but the more you know what signs to look for, the better prepared you can be. If memory becomes a serious issue, Victoria Landing is here to help. First, let’s focus on the top 4 signs to watch for with your loved ones.
First Sign: Forgetting Things They Once Easily Knew
While we all have moments of forgetfulness, if you are noticing your loved one forgetting things that they once easily knew and should easily know such as recent events, ages or interests of children or grandchildren, where people live, etc., this is cause for concern. For example, a local resident shared this with us: “I remember when my grandma first started showing signs of Alzheimer’s. She and my grandpa came to visit my family in the house we had lived in for years. She opened our coat closet in the entry, thinking it was the bathroom because she couldn’t remember where it was. Not only was our house only 1300 square feet, but she had been there many times.” An Indialantic resident shared this story: “We became suspicious that my mother-in-law was having serious memory issues when she didn’t remember that our daughter attended the same college as her brother and cousin and that they all shared an apartment. They were already in their second or third year of college by then, and she had known all of that.”
Second Sign: Forgetfulness is Occurring More Frequently
We are all forgetful at times. It doesn’t mean that we are getting dementia or Alzheimer’s. We may have what people often (grossly) refer to as a “brain fart” or a “senior moment.” This is not uncommon, particularly when you are tired or stressed. When a resident of the area began exhibiting some odd behaviors combined with memory lapses, he went to see his family physician at the urging of his wife. His doctor ended up prescribing him anxiety medication. Was his doctor right? In this case, yes. It should be noted that anxiety in seniors may present as memory issues. The anxiety medication helped his symptoms, indicating that he was not experiencing signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, repeated, frequent lapses in memory should be noticed and watched. If you aren’t seeing improvement once your loved one gets needed rest or is in a less stressed state of mind, then they should see their doctor. Also, if their doctor prescribes anxiety medication and it doesn’t help, let the doctor know right away and schedule another appointment.
Third Sign: Forgetting Common Words
Again, this can happen to any of us upon occasion, but it should not be a frequent occurrence, such as multiple times per day or even per conversion. If your loved one is forgetting very common words, such as toaster or coffee, take notice. They may begin describing common items instead of using the actual word for the item. Do not brush this off if it happens frequently.
Fourth Sign: Unusual Mood Swings
Everyone gets grumpy or a little depressed at times. These mood changes are usually caused by circumstances. They are normal emotional reactions to life events. If, however, your loved one is having unusual mood swings, particularly when life is “normal,” this can be a tell-tale sign of memory issues. Your loved one may be noticing the cognitive changes taking place. They may not feel as “sharp” as they used to. They may feel frustrated when they don’t recall events or words that they know they should remember. This can lead to outbursts of anger or bouts of depression. Your loved one is likely feeling confused and scared.
What Should You Do Next?
If you notice any of the above signs or a combination of them, you should make a doctor’s appointment for your loved one. Having them make the appointment themselves may give them a sense of control over the situation, so that is a good option if they will do it. Reassure your loved one that you will be with them every step of the journey offering love and support.
Victoria Landing Offers Memory Care
When your loved one gets to the point that staying at home is no longer possible, Victoria Landing is here to help. With a tranquil setting on the shores of the Indian River, Victoria Landing offers beautiful apartments at the Boardwalk, our memory care “neighborhood.” With three delicious meals prepared daily for our residents, unlimited scheduled and unscheduled activities available daily, and caring, trained staff, your loved one can live in comfort.
You can feel good knowing that they are being well cared for in a safe, fun, beautiful environment. You are encouraged to visit as often as you like and participate in activities with your loved one. They aren’t on lockdown! They are at Victoria Landing – luxury assisted living with memory care! If it is time for your loved one to receive full-time care, then look no further than the Boardwalk at Victoria Landing!
