Aging is hard on the body, but for some individuals it can also be hard on the mind. If you've noticed your loved one beginning to display troubling signs of memory loss or loss of basic motor skills, you may want to consider options like home health care.

Signs of Dementia

If your loved one is beginning to show signs of memory loss, you may be wondering whether it's simple forgetfulness or dementia.

While memory troubles are certainly the main sign of the disease found in dementia patients, other signs include communication and language deficits, inability to focus, poor reasoning and judgment, and worsening visual perception. If your loved one is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, it's time to bring them in to their doctor. Their primary care physician will be able to provide a basic examination and refer them out to neurology if dementia or related disorders are suspected.

Home Health Care & Dementia

If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it doesn't mean it has to be the end of them living in their own home. With home health care, your loved one can remain in their home longer so they're happy and you can have peace of mind.

A home health aide who's been trained to care for dementia patients can help to give your loved one the quality of life they deserve. Your loved one may need help with shopping, cleaning, and even basic living tasks, such as washing and eating. If this is the case, the home health team will come up with a specialized plan for their care to ensure they receive only the best.

When Home Health Is No Longer Enough

Unfortunately, there may come a time when the supervision and help provided by a home health aide isn't enough. Before that time comes, it's a good idea to look at possible future options. Dementia is a complicated disease and presents differently in each patient. While some patients will be calm, others may become belligerent or even physically violent. In cases such as this, a nursing home that specializes in memory loss may be the best option. Nursing homes offer 24-hour care and may offer the kind of assistance that your loved one needs. Your loved one's home health aide and other members of their healthcare team will be best equipped to answer your questions and can even help you decide when the time is right for a move to a more involved care facility.

Find services like MultiCare Home Health for further help and information about how to handle a help a loved one experiencing dementia.