Some Key Signs that Alzheimer’s Is Now Progressing in Your Aging Loved One
You may not have any experience with Alzheimer’s before, but when an aging loved one, like a parent or spouse has been diagnosed, it may feel as though the world has just upturned beneath you. In the beginning, though, it can feel as though this is going to be relatively straightforward, if not easy, and supporting them.
You may or may not talk about companion care at home but, in the future, it is going to be a topic you seriously need to discuss. That’s why it is best to discuss companion care at home now, early on, before the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s progress.
If you have been supporting your spouse, aging mother or father, or other loved one for several months or even a couple of years, you may be wondering if Alzheimer’s is now beginning to progress to a stage you are not yet prepared to handle. Let’s look at some of the signs that Alzheimer’s is actually progressing to another level and why companion care at home is something to talk about now, rather than waiting.
Potential Sign #1: The senior is forgetting more.
Home Care Assistance Upper Darby, PA: Alzheimer’s Progression
Memory loss has been a concern for some time. It is often one of the first symptoms people recognize in a loved one that’s related to Alzheimer’s.
Now, though, their memory loss is affecting more of their function and ability to keep track of important details, which might include things their doctor told them, exercise they should be participating in, daily tasks they need to get done, and so forth.
When memory begins to take a turn for the worse, it can increase confusion, frustration, and anxiety, which can lead to the next sign.
Potential Sign #2: Their behavior is becoming unpredictable.
Aging seniors with Alzheimer’s may start acting in ways that are completely out of character, including for their entire life. For example, your elderly mother may have been the most calm, rational, and sweet individual who you never heard utter a horrible, vile, or vulgar word.
Yet, now, she is cursing like a sailor, saying words and phrases you never even thought she knew, let alone would ever utter. This unpredictable behavior can change your perception about her, too.
Potential Sign #3: Aggressive tendencies are on the rise.
If your mother has always been a calm, sweet person but is starting to get aggressive with her language and maybe her physical actions, that can be disconcerting, to say the least.
It can also cause incredible harm to you and other people around her. This isn’t her acting, though; it’s the disease.
That’s why an experienced professional who provides companion care at home may be a better buffer than you or other loved ones to handle these unexpected changes in behavior and aggressive tendencies.
What can you do if you recognize these signs?
Talk about companion care at home. Rely on in-home care professionals, especially those who have experience supporting seniors with Alzheimer’s. It can be beneficial not just for you, but that aging senior who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in Upper Darby, PA please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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