5 Signs Your Loved One with Dementia May Need Home Care Services

Home care services in Eden Prairie can be an excellent choice for individuals with dementia when there are signs of increased confusion and safety concerns. Recognizing the need for home care can be challenging, as dementia is not physically apparent. Families must look beyond the surface to identify difficulties their loved ones may be experiencing with daily tasks, which could pose potential safety risks.

When asked about the term "dementia," many people immediately think of memory loss, forgetfulness, Alzheimer's disease, and confusion. However, it's important to understand that dementia is defined as a group of thinking and social symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Individuals with dementia experience a loss of cognitive functioning, which includes thinking, remembering, and reasoning. If we dig deeper, we can identify other cognitive skills affected by dementia, such as initiation, sequencing, follow-through, frustration tolerance, problem-solving, decision-making, judgment, impulse control, language, and motor skills.

All of these factors can impact an individual’s ability to complete daily tasks. Therefore, it is crucial to consider how all these cognitive skills are affected in order to assess the level of assistance needed by someone with dementia. Here are some signs that home care may be necessary for individuals with dementia:

Memory Loss

Increased forgetfulness may lead to difficulties in remembering to eat or drink, take medications, keep appointments, or pay bills. Loss of orientation, initiation, sequencing, and follow-through skills significantly impacts managing a daily schedule. Individuals with dementia may struggle with knowing what to do next. Having family or home care assistance in Chanhassen to help manage a calendar, set up medications, remind them when to eat, take their medications, or attend important appointments can greatly help.

Difficulty with Daily Tasks

Individuals with dementia may find it challenging to complete activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, using the restroom, or moving around. These difficulties may not be easily identified unless someone is with them 24 hours a day. Here are some helpful tips to recognize when these daily activities become problematic for your loved one:

• Grooming/Bathing: Look for signs that they are showering or bathing, such as wet towels or rugs in the laundry. In the earlier stages of dementia, they may perform the task but miss important steps, like not using soap or washing specific areas of the body. You can check whether hygiene items are being used; if you're not regularly replacing their soap, toothpaste, or shampoo, they may not be using them properly.
• Dressing: Pay attention to their clothing when you visit. Are they wearing the same outfit daily? Are their clothes visibly clean? Are they missing layers or items they usually wear? Is the laundry basket full or empty? These clues can indicate struggles with dressing.
• Eating: To assess meal preparation and consumption, inspect the refrigerator. Look for spoiled or rotten items, and check whether food in cabinets is being consumed. Often, out-of-sight items are forgotten, and they may only eat snacks that are easily accessible.

Disorientation

Individuals may struggle to remember the time or place, confusing day and night. Are you receiving phone calls late at night? Are they sleeping more during the day? If you answer "yes" to these questions, their internal clock may be disrupted, causing confusion and disorientation.

Mood and Behavior Changes

Changes in mood can include depression, heightened anxiety, paranoia, or fear. Individuals may also exhibit strange or inappropriate behaviors that are out of character.

Safety Concerns

Forgetfulness regarding their environment or difficulties with routine tasks can increase the risk of accidents. You may notice more falls or accidents, and there may be concerns about their ability to call for help in emergencies.

Recognizing these signs can be crucial in ensuring the well-being and safety of individuals with dementia and also can help you decipher whether or not they need dementia home care in Minneapolis.

Final Thoughts

If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, many local home care companies are available to assist. Elder home care services “near me” can help with activities of daily living, health-related tasks, behavioral redirection, transportation to appointments, household tasks, and companionship. In Minnesota, home care can be funded through private funds, insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and waiver programs.

To learn more and determine if home care is the right option for you and your loved one, contact Homewatch CareGivers of Eden Prairie at 612-238-5531. Homewatch CareGivers is a reputable home care provider serving Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Bloomington, Savage, Shakopee, and Excelsior, and more in Hennepin County, Minnesota.