Memory loss is a common concern for seniors in Santa Clarita and their families. Deteriorating memory function is an expected part of growing old, however, do not be too quick to write off symptoms to just old age. It could be something more serious like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which can become severe enough to interfere with daily life without proper care.
Other Effects of Memory Loss
Sometimes your senior loved one may forget a word or name they know, which is usually just normal memory decline. Though it can be frustrating, likely it is not serious. It is important to realize the signs of early dementia. In addition to old age, other things that can cause non-pathological memory loss includes depression, dementia, head injury, strokes, side effects of drugs or medications, and alcoholism.
Look for the Signs
You can tell when memory problems are serious if they start to interfere with their day-to-day life. Forgetting names is probably not serious. However, they may have problems that are more serious if they have difficulty recollecting how to do things they have done multiple times such as getting to a place they visit often or having trouble with tasks that have steps, like following a recipe. A key difference between normal memory problems and senior dementia is that normal memory loss does not get worse over time, whereas dementia gets increasingly worse with time over months and years.
Suffering from dementia can be difficult not only for your senior loved one but also for you. Early signs of dementia include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty communicating
- Inability to learn or remember new information
- Difficulty with planning and organizing
- Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
- Personality changes
- Inability to reason
- Inappropriate behavior
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
If your senior is suffering from this illness, it is important you get them the care they need in their home. For many family members, leaving their job to care for a loved one with dementia just is not an option and not all families want their loved ones placed into a senior living facility. Familiar surroundings can be a comfort to someone suffering from dementia, so home care is ideal.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita is the largest provider of home care services in the Santa Clarita Valley, with over a decade of experience with senior home care. It is our mission to support families in need by offering services that range from part-time to long-term. Your aging senior deserves to stay in the comfort of their own home, and with our help, you can rest assured knowing that they are in safe hands. Each trained caregiver is a professional making sure your loved one is safe & happy. One of our Care Managers would love to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our wide range of services for both you and your senior loved one.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Ave
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
