Signs it's Time for Professional Memory Care

A primary indicator to seek professional assistance is a change in your loved one's behavior, especially if it is sudden. A person who is experiencing memory issues or loss may easily become anxious or irritated. They may also have trouble remembering to do daily tasks, such as keeping up with their hygiene. Some may also become withdrawn and antisocial, even with close family members.

Pay attention to your loved one's living environment. Have they begun to abandon chores around the house? Do they have stacks of letters or expired food laying around? An unkempt living environment can become unsafe and detrimental to their health. If they have forgotten to pay their bills, that's a sure sign they may need professional care.

People who suffer from memory loss can easily experience confusion or disorientation. The fragile mental state can be dangerous, putting their safety and life at risk. For instance, someone can forget to shut off the stove after cooking. Memory loss may also cause individuals to forget to complete important tasks, like taking daily medications. Confusion and disorientation will often start off subtle but will eventually increase over time.

As memory starts to slip away, it is not uncommon for incontinence to arise. This could quickly become a problem as it is unsanitary and becomes a huge task for your loved one's daily caregiver. If they are forgetting to go to the bathroom, that is a sign that their memory loss has progressed into unsafe territory.

Memory decline can lead to health issues like weight loss and difficulty with standing and balance. Many people with memory loss often experience falls that cause broken bones and other injuries due to imbalance. Memory loss can also make your loved one forget where they are or where their destination is, causing them to wander away from home and get lost. Professional memory care can help to ensure your loved one's safety.

Even if you do not notice the signs we've listed, you know your loved one and can tell when they are struggling. Rely on your gut to tell you when something is wrong so you can take action as soon as possible. 

Wanting to keep your loved one in their home is understandable, but sometimes they may require more care. At Castlemeadow Care, we offer a variety of memory care services to keep your loved one happy and healthy, regardless of their forgetfulness and needs. We specialise in dementia care, meaning your loved one will get the care and attention they deserve. We have care homes located in Norwich, Swaffham, Long Stratton, Kings Lynn and Dereham in Norfolk as well as Halesworth in Suffolk so you can visit your loved one often. Contact us today to learn more about our memory care options.