Dementia and Your Loved One
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Dementia and Your Loved One

I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.

Dementia and Your Loved One

3 Signs Your Loved One May Be Ready for Assisted Living

Vickie Armstrong

When you have a loved one aging it can be hard to determine if they need additional help and would benefit from assisted living services. There are many people who sell their house, move into an assisted living facility, and do much better. Here are some signs that your loved one needs to consider assisted living.

1. They Can No Longer Make Meals for Themselves

Food is an important part of knowing if the person can live on their own. It is so important that they are capable and mentally able to make themselves healthy and nutritious meals. Too many people as they age have a hard time with this.

For example, when you visit them are they letting food rot in the fridge, or eating leftovers that are no longer good? Are they eating the same things every meal because they are easy and they don't have the ability to prepare anything else? Are they forgetting certain things while cooking, like to eat in general, or leaving the stove on for long periods of time? If so, you need to consider assisted living.

When your loved one goes to assisted living they will get healthy meals around the clock. They will get variety and they will be well fed.

2. They Are Not Caring for Themselves as Well

Another thing to look for is how well the person is taking care of himself or herself. For example, if when you visit they are still in their pajamas or in the same clothes as yesterday even though it is mid-afternoon, this could be a red flag. Additionally, it could mean that they are having a hard time dressing themselves, so it is easier not to change their clothes. They also may be having a hard time showing or bathing. All of these things are signs that they need additional help, help that an assisted living can provide.

3. They Are Depressed & Lonely

Lastly, if your loved one appears to be depressed or lonely, you should consider an assisted living. Too many people get to where they are unhappy in their elderly years because they spend too much time alone and without any entertainment. At an assisted living, there will be concerts, game nights, friends for them and much more. This is why so many people choose to help a loved one get into assisted living. It makes them happier.

If you know these signs you can know when it is time to look for assisted living apartments.


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