There is a lot of information on Alzheimer’s available to anyone providing home care for a loved one. It is important that people know the basic signs, this way it can be decided sooner, rather than later, when your loved one needs professional home care.
Witnessing all the traumatic life changes that an elderly person goes through as they age can be very distressing for family members. The aging process has a way of changing people in such a way that they are hardly recognizable anymore to the people who have known them and loved them all their lives. Health conditions tend to worsen and new ailments creep in, rendering some completely debilitated and just the shell of the person that they used to be.
One particularly traumatic experience for family members with elderly loved ones is watching the onset of Alzheimer’s as it begins to take over their minds. Alzheimer’s disease usually isn’t too noticeable at first. Those affected may forget to take their medicine or forget to show up for an appointment. Most family members dismiss this as just a part of aging and that we all are forgetful of things at some point in our lives. However, Alzheimer’s disease isn’t as simple as a forgotten date on the calendar. It progresses slowly, but surely until the affected person sometimes doesn’t remember who or where they are or recognize their own children. There are some red flags that families can look for if they suspect their elderly loved one may be affected by the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Misplacing things around the home
We all forget where we leave our keys from time to time, but if it becomes a habit, this could be a warning sign for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Difficulty performing normally easy tasks
If an elderly loved one has trouble performing what should be simple tasks such as putting on their clothes and shoes, it could signal an underlying mental or coordination problem.
Trouble communicating or understanding speech
Being suddenly unable to communicate in an effective manner or understand all of what is being said to them may point to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Confusion
Getting confused easily or often is another tell tale sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, especially if it becomes the rule instead of the exception.
Just because an elderly person exhibits some or all of these symptoms does not mean that Alzheimer’s disease is the root cause. These symptoms are indicative of several different underlying conditions and should be discussed at length with a qualified health care provider in order to get a definitive diagnosis and treatment options.
If you are unsure of any strange behaviour or signs in your loved one you should always contact a medical professional. After a diagnosis a proper home care plan can be made to ensure their safety and comfort.