7 Signs Of Dementia In Seniors: What To Ask And What To Do

As the American population ages, and at a faster rate here in Arizona than most other states, we’re all going to need more education on how to help our elderly loved ones. That means being able to recognize the warning signs of dementia and knowing how to navigate Phoenix assisted living facilities in order to find the perfect match. From retirement homes to nursing homes, you can find assisted living homes for various senior living needs.
Phoenix Dementia Care Facilities
1) Does she forget how to perform simple, everyday activities?
Many things come so automatically to us on a daily basis that it seems impossible anyone could forget them. Forgetting how to perform familiar tasks is a significant warning sign of dementia, from getting dressed in the morning to making a pot of coffee.

2) Is she forgetting her words?
We all struggle to express our thoughts sometimes but if your loved one is consistently unable to do so, it could be a sign of dementia. It’s one thing for a word to be on the tip of your tongue now and then, and quite another for someone who has trouble remembering words much of the time.

3) Does she get disoriented?
What day is it? Where am I? How did I get here? These are all questions that people with dementia may find themselves asking quite a bit. It’s especially disturbing when the disorientation gets so bad that your loved one gets lost coming home from places she’s been frequenting for years, be it the grocery store, the gas station or a friend’s house just down the road.

4) Has her judgment changed?
Whether it’s at home or out in the world, a senior with dementia may exhibit a change in judgment. Maybe she seems careless in the kitchen – burning food, dropping glasses or cutting herself while chopping vegetables. Or maybe she’s reckless on the road, running red lights, passing cars and speeding like she never has before.

5) Does she misplace the same things over and over again?
Sure we all spend our fair share of time looking for lost items, but someone with dementia may misplace the same thing over and over again. Not just keys that are misplaced on a different table than usual or are found hidden under a coat or purse. It could be a sign of dementia when someone, for example, “misplaces” the keys in the refrigerator – not just once but day after day, over and over again.

6) Is she having unusual mood swings?
When someone is experiencing signs of dementia, it can be emotionally devastating which can lead to uncharacteristic behavior. Mood swings may be common for a senior who is no longer able to express herself, perform everyday tasks or maintain the independent lifestyle she once did.

7) Have you noticed changes in her personality?
If she’s usually talkative but now seems quiet … usually fearless but now seems scared … usually outgoing but now seems withdrawn, your loved one may have dementia. On the other hand, a normally quiet, fearful, withdrawn senior who seems unusually uninhibited may be exhibiting signs of dementia too.

Keep in mind these are simply warning signs. The only way to know for sure if your loved one has dementia is to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.

If and when dementia is confirmed, you may find yourself considering Phoenix assisted living facilities. Fortunately, you need not face this daunting task alone. In fact, in the Phoenix metro area you can get senior living help for FREE from professionals who routinely help families find quality care for their elderly loved ones – in senior living communities, nursing homes and facilities specifically tailored to dementia care and Alzheimer’s care. Contact Options for Senior Living to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

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