Watching your mom become frail with age and early signs of dementia is heartbreaking. It’s easy to assume she is just getting old and not ill. It’s going to be difficult for mom, as well.
Moving your mom to a memory home care facility is another huge and difficult decision. It can be a difficult decision because sometimes she appears perfectly fine.
Dementia doesn’t just gradually happen. It can make people behave in many different ways. And it can be hard to know if it’s fleeting, just old age or dementia.
Dementia Signs and Symptoms
Dementia signs can vary, depending on the person and their circumstances. They can be very hard to detect in their early stages. It can also depend on the type of dementia.
Many typical dementia signs to watch for are:
- Memory lapses and forgetfulness
- Personality changes
- Confusion
- Loss of concentration
- Apathy and lack of interest
- Loss of ability for everyday tasks
Memory Concerns
Memory loss, particularly short-term memory loss is common. People can forget where they put a certain thing, like their keys or their handbag. They may forget what just happened moments ago, yet remember their high school prom very clearly.
Mood and Personality Changes are Often Dementia Signs
Personality changes are often due to changing the ability to make decisions. They may do something out of character simply out of frustration or lack of good judgment. This could include dressing inappropriately for the weather.
This can also include mood changes. They may become angry, sad, laugh inappropriately, or become withdrawn and depressed.
Confusion
They may start to become a danger to themselves. Wanding off, getting lost and disoriented. This can start to happen in very familiar places, like home, work, and shopping.
This can relate to their language skills, as well. They may have problems finding the right word. Or they may substitute it for something else that is easier. They also may have trouble recognizing words being said to them.
Lack of Interest Could Also be a Sign of Dementia
They may stop participating in a certain activity they used to like. They may withdraw from family gatherings.
When is it Time to Consider Memory Home Care?
The tendency to ‘wait it out’ can be a common response to the early stages of dementia. It’s upsetting for family members to have to make the decision that mom needs help.
It is important to keep a close eye on these changes, regardless of how subtle or infrequent. Encouraging mom to get an assessment will help you with your future decisions.
You certainly don’t want to wait too long. People can appear fine one day and completely lost the next. There are several stages of dementia you should be aware of.
People can have early stages of dementia and not know it. Your mother may be into stage three or four before any signs become noticeable. It’s important to have her tested before it gets too far along.
Finding Help and Memory Care Homes
If mom is no longer safe in her own home, you may have brought in a care worker for her. This can help for a while. But it can be impossible to have care around the clock.
If she has begun to wander off and get lost or confused, you may want to consider a memory care home. She can get injured, start a fire or hurt others without constant care.
What is the Best Memory Care Home for Mom?
Expert Care at Sycamore Creek Ranch
You need to have your mother’s needs assets to make the best decision for her care. Does she have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia? It is important to know that when looking for a care facility. Are they licensed and prepared for the type of dementia your mom has?
Finding a smaller facility is often the better choice. The rooms and facilities are designed to resemble a home, rather than an institution. Therefore, your mom will likely feel more at home and comfortable.
A smaller facility will have more security features, which is very important. It’s much easier to look after 16 people than 65. There is far less chance of them wandering off.
The staff-to-patient ratio will be far better in a smaller facility. And the care they get can mean a great deal in their progress and recovery. Keeping them engaged in activities, involving them in decisions, and allowing a normal routine is important.
These Dementia Signs Tell You It’s Time
It’s helpful to try and keep mom involved in making decisions, although it can be very difficult. Take her with you when you go to visit the memory care homes.
Ask her questions about how she feels about each place you visit. Also, have a list of questions you want to ask them. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions. This is your mother. She’s worthy.
It is never an easy decision to move mom out of her home. You will know when the time is right and believe it is for her own good. Do your homework, find the best place and rest assured that she is in the best care for her needs.
We Are Here To Help
At Sycamore Creek Ranch Memory Care we are here to help. We want families to make the best decision for their situation.
Furthermore, the staff at Sycamore Creek Ranch is proactive. That means we are not waiting for a problem to arise. Instead, we are actively engaged with each and every resident. And with only 16 residents we can do that! Come for a tour at Sycamore Creek Ranch! See how we can help!