What Are The Signs Of Dementia?
Knowing whether your loved one requires dementia home care in Altona isn’t always obvious. You have your suspicions, but you’re not 100% sure.
Fortunately, this section is here to help. We look at some signs of dementia and when at-home care might be necessary.
If you see any of these symptoms, take your loved one to the doctor for a formal diagnosis. Putting this in place can help you access additional support and funding.
Sign 1: Memory Loss
Memory loss is one of the most common signs a loved one needs Altona dementia care at home. Neurons that store short-term recollections of events are among the first the disease affects. (Longer-term memories often take longer to disappear).
For example, you may notice your loved one struggling to remember faces, names, and what happened yesterday. They might also have trouble completing familiar tasks, such as the washing up.
Sign 2: Difficulty Concentration
Difficulty concentrating is another sign of dementia. For example, your loved one might find it hard to focus on a conversation, or something in the environment might prevent them from following a train of thought.
Sign 3: Trouble Problem-Solving
Difficulty problem-solving could also mean your loved one needs dementia carer support. People with dementia lose the ability to correct unfamiliar situations on the fly, preventing them from looking after themselves. For instance, they might be unable to follow a recipe or write a cheque.
Sign 4: Personality Changes
Personality changes are another sign of dementia. These can occur in the early stages of the condition and lead to anxiety, irritability, and a propensity for social isolation.
For example, you may notice your loved one is happy one minute and angry the next. These changes are even more obvious if they are out of character for the person concerned.
Sign 5: General Confusion
Lastly, Altona’s in-home dementia care could be necessary if your loved one feels confused or doesn’t know where they are. Individuals may believe it is a different day, place or year and feel worried they can’t remember their situation.
Why Dementia Care Is Essential
Caring for dementia is essential for several reasons. These include:
- Keeping the person safe and preventing them from getting into situations that might risk their health, finances or well-being
- Ensuring they have the support they need to push back against the progression of the disease with brain training and cognitively-stimulating activities
- Managing their physical health to ensure they continue to eat a good diet with proper nutrition
- Reducing the burden on existing caregivers, including family members
- Providing guidance and education on how to care for dementia patients when professional assistance isn’t available
How Dementia Support Services in Altona Can Help
Fortunately, home dementia care can help your family members in several ways. Providing them with support and care enables them to live a better life and get the most out of their remaining time.
One benefit of dementia care is allowing them to remain in their home safely. Carers can supervise to ensure they don’t hurt themselves or get into risky situations.
Another benefit is the improvement in their quality of life. In some cases, carers can enact strategies to slow the progression of the disease. Socialisation and a reduction in isolation can stimulate neuronal networks and push back against the condition’s progression.
Fortunately, you can enable your loved one to experience all these perks with our leading dementia care in Australia. Simply get in touch with a member of our team to start the process. Remember, Home Caring is always here to help!