Being diagnosed with dementia can make daily life challenging for older adults, putting their safety at risk when they’re left alone. Family caregivers need to ensure someone is always available to monitor their elderly parents. If that isn’t always possible, families should consider using home care services. Continue reading to learn why you should never leave your senior loved one with dementia alone.
Delusions
Delusions are one of the hallmarks of dementia, and they often occur in the middle and late stages of the condition. The brain cell damage caused by dementia increases confusion and lowers the ability to remember specific people and objects. As a result, seniors who have dementia might believe something that isn’t true or experience altered realities. If your parent is at home alone while having a delusion, he or she could cause significant harm to him or herself and require medical attention.
Wandering
If you leave your parent at home alone, he or she could wander off and get lost, injured, or worse. Wandering is one of the top symptoms associated with dementia, and it generally happens more frequently in the later stages of the condition. When you need to take a break and run errands, ask a trusted family member or friend to come by and stay with your loved one. You can also take your loved one with you while running errands, such as going to the grocery store or picking up prescriptions. However, make sure to have a plan in place to address problems, such as combative behavior, that could occur while you two are out in public.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Lakewood in-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Falls
Older adults living with neurological conditions such as dementia are more likely to experience weakened muscles and other mobility problems that put them at higher risk for falling. The disorder often negatively affects vision and balance, which are necessary for functional mobility and good posture. Having someone there to watch your parent reduces his or her odds of falling, which staves off issues such as hip fractures and broken legs. It’s a good idea to place video monitors throughout the home so you can check on your loved one’s status even when you’re in a different room. Being proactive could lower the risk of falls, preventing mobility issues and the need for hospitalization.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Lakewood families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care.
Poor Eating Habits
Elderly people need to eat food with plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats to boost their cognitive health and physical wellbeing. However, seniors with dementia are less likely to follow a proper diet due to poor decision-making, changes in appetite, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and fear of constipation. When your loved one is left alone throughout the day, he or she might skip meals, which can cause medications to be ineffective, especially those that must be taken with food. Healthy eating is essential for older adults with dementia because certain foods boost memory and slow the progression of the condition.
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, keeping him or her safe is your top priority, and a caregiver can be a tremendous asset. Families looking for top-rated home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (303) 987-5992 today.