At medical checkups, doctors are on the lookout for symptoms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. When certain symptoms arise, it may be time to consider memory care. If an elderly person appears disoriented or upset or suddenly stops talking, this should raise red flags.
Those who forget to eat may lose weight, look disheveled, or have unkempt hair, as Branshaw puts it. Check this website to know more.
After that, doctors may do a quick mental state exam or ask questions about the patient’s typical day.
Memory care demands may be reflected in a person’s struggle with ADLs.
One frequent metric for determining if an elderly person requires assistance is their level of independence in performing ADLs like getting dressed, washing themselves, and using the lavatory. A person with dementia who has trouble performing even the most basic of chores definitely needs constant supervision.
The doctor may ask the following questions to determine the senior’s level of independence and safety:
- Become disoriented while navigating familiar environments, such as the way to the supermarket or a walk around the neighbourhood, which they traverse frequently.
- forgetting to eat or drink
- Not taking their medications as prescribed
- Find it difficult to take care of daily hygiene tasks like showering and getting dressed.
- Any of these warning signs should prompt a discussion with your loved one’s doctor about a possible mental status evaluation.
A need for Alzheimer’s or dementia care may become apparent when safety becomes an issue.
Branshaw adds that raising safety concerns is a good method to bring attention to dementia behaviours among family members. He might inquire of family or carers:
- Does your senior family member leave the stove or oven running when they finish cooking?
- Is a pet suffering from inadequate care?
- Is the hospital being used at all?
- Have you seen any mysterious injuries on your elderly relative?
- Do you worry that your loved one may have put themselves in harm’s way due to roaming or becoming lost?
If the person with dementia is being hurt, leaving the house, or putting oneself in other potentially harmful situations, they shouldn’t live alone. Consider whether your elderly loved one’s safety needs are being addressed and whether further help is necessary to ensure their wellbeing.
