Did you know after every holiday period, social services departments across the country see a sharp spike in call numbers?
People call with concerns about the wellbeing of loved ones having spent time with them over bank holiday. As society changes, and families grow ever more dispersed, the time between visits can grow from weeks to months.

Bank Holiday tends to throw changes in health and behaviour into sharp focus because it may be the time of year when we spend a prolonged period with relatives we might otherwise only chat with on the phone for a few minutes a week.

Have you noticed any of the following Dementia warning signs?

Please list any concerns you have and take this sheet with you to the doctor. (Note: This list is for information only and not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified professional.)

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

Are they forgetting recently learned information/important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own?

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.

Are they having trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills? They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.

Do they have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favourite game?

4. Confusion with time or place.

Are they losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Do they forget where they are or how they got there?

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

For some, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. Do they have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining colour or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not recognize their own reflection.

6. Problems with words in speaking or writing.

Do they have trouble following or joining a conversation? They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a “hand clock”).

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

Are the putting things in unusual places. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

8. Decreased or poor judgment.

Are they experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. What’s typical?

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.

Are they removing themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports? They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

10. Changes in mood and personality?

Are they becoming frequently confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

Our fantastic team of live in carers are experienced in understanding the different stages of Dementia and are trained with coping mechanisms to help support individuals and their families.

To find out more how we can help you or a loved one, please call our care team on: 0800 471 4741.