As your parents age, they become more susceptible to ailments like Alzheimer’s which may interfere with their thinking. Symptoms like memory loss are well known, and help you decide whether to move your loved one to assisted living. But some other signs are less well recognized, and if you watch for them, you may detect the onset of other dementia symptoms.

Signs Your Loved One May Need Assisted Living

1. Withdrawal

People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may begin to withdraw from hobbies, social situations, and important relationships they once enjoyed. They begin to feel apathy and confusion toward these things, and narrow their focus to activities and environments where they feel more comfortable.

2. Anxiety

It can be frightening to forget information which once would have been easy to retain, and this fear is sometimes one of the first outward signs of memory loss. If your loved one asks many repetitive questions or shows clingy, anxious behavior, they should be evaluated for Alzheimer’s as soon as possible.

3. Depression

In this case, the link between the mood changes and the memory loss is less clear than with anxiety; clinical depression could be either a cause or a result of dementia. However, there is a strong pattern of comorbidity between Alzheimer’s and depression diagnoses, so you can use this information to make some advance predictions about whether your loved one will need assisted living.

4. Repeat Outfits

Getting dressed requires both memory and decision-making skills, as your loved one needs to recall which outfits they have already worn and choose between new ones. Many patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s find this process overwhelming—and may also feel apathy, which is another roadblock. 

5. Neglect of Personal Hygiene

Both emotional withdrawal and memory loss affect your loved one’s ability to care for their appearance and cleanliness. You may notice body odor, dental problems, and unbrushed or unwashed hair. These can also be caused by mobility issues, so talk with your loved to determine the cause. 

Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA, offers inviting assisted living accommodations with attentive tailored care. Residents in this senior housing facility enjoy many amenities and conveniences, as well as 24/7 care from a skilled staff. If you’re looking for a nursing home for a loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s or other challenges of aging, call (404) 231-3020 with any questions.