Did you know that each Easter, social services departments and home care agencies across the country see a sharp spike in call numbers? Due to COVID – 19 families became even more distant than ever before and we left larger amounts of time between visits, missing the opportunity to constantly check-in on our relatives. This results in a higher number of people calling with concerns about the wellbeing of their family members, concerned they may be showing signs of Dementia having spent time with them over the Easter holiday.
If you’re concerned whether you have experienced something similar over Easter, the following Dementia signs may offer some clarity, allowing you to seek dementia care and medical assistance for your loved ones.
Have you noticed any of the following Dementia 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 aids (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 their favourite game? These tasks may have been straightforward before, but now present a challenge to the individual.
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, and may not recognise their own reflection.
6. Problems with words in speaking or writing
Do they have trouble following or joining in on 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 they putting things in unusual places? Sometimes they may accuse others of stealing which can then begin to occur more frequently over time.
8. Decreased or poor judgement
Are they experiencing changes in judgmentally or decision making? For example, they may use poor judgement when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. On the other hand, they may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. It’s best to ask yourself what they are typically like to then flag any changes.
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 their 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.
Looking for a home care agency?
If you’re looking for a home care agency to care and support a loved one living with Dementia then our team of Dementia carers are highly experienced in understanding the different stages of Dementia, and have coping mechanisms and tips to help support individuals and their families. We can provide home help on a short term or long term basis and can provide live-in care.
To find out our home care agency can help, then please email us or call our care team on: 0808 274 8170.
Download your understanding dementia guide here