Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are common in seniors, with the risk increasing with age. However, because changes can be gradual, it may be difficult to tell when your elderly loved one needs to start receiving dementia care. Here are a few signs to watch for so you’ll know when to bring your loved one to a memory care facility.

5 Signs Your Senior Loved One Requires Dementia Care

1. Personality Changes

Often, one of the first signs family members notice is a change in behavior. Your loved one may begin to do things which seem out of character, or may even  behave in inappropriate and alarming ways.

2. Mood Changes

Memory loss is a frightening experience and can cause a major shift in your loved one’s mood. Depression, anxiety, and irritability are all common responses. There are other possible explanations for these shifts, so your loved one will need to visit a doctor for an evaluation before being recommended dementia care.

3. Difficulty With Tasks

This can take on a wide variety of forms. Your loved one might have trouble remembering steps in a process, may not be able to communicate as effectively as before, or may even lose some motor function.

4. Memory Loss

This is the most common sign your loved one needs dementia care. They may forget places, people, and events, and even large portions of their personal history. Memory loss can come and go, with your loved one remembering well on “good days” and poorly on “bad days.”

5. Confusion & Disorientation

With the loss of memories and mental acuity comes increasing confusion. Your loved one may lose context easily, needing to be reminded of what is happening and why. They may have difficulty following explanations. In some cases, those with dementia can even experience hallucinations which will further confuse them.

If you see these signs in your loved one, arrange dementia care with Bethany St. Joseph Corporation in La Crosse, WI. Serving the local area for over 40 years, this quality health care corporation provides, assisted living for seniors, skilled nursing care, long-term care, memory care, and adult day care services. To ask about their offerings and availability, call (608) 788-5700 or reach out online.