Is Your Parent Living With Memory Loss? Here Are Some Helpful Tips

As people age, it’s natural to expect some memory loss. But when forgetfulness starts affecting your parent’s daily life, or they are suffering from more significant memory problems—such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia—it is often difficult for the caregiver to know how to handle the situation. Here are some tips on how to help them maintain their independence while staying safe.

Consider Memory Care Facilities

If your parents are suffering from severe memory loss, consider moving them into a facility that specializes in care for people with memory loss. These communities are designed to provide the 24-hour supervision and support necessary for individuals living with memory loss. As seen at Cedarcreekassoc.com, they are also staffed with board-certified doctors, nurses, and therapists who can provide medical care as needed. Often, these facilities offer different levels of memory care, so you can choose the right setting for your parents.

Address Confusion And Misconceptions

One of the most frustrating aspects of caring for someone who has memory issues is that they often have difficulty understanding what’s going on around them. They may become paranoid or suspicious, or develop misconceptions about events that occurred long ago. Be patient while trying to clarify what they have heard, but don’t over-explain—the more you say, the more likely you are to confuse them further. It’s also helpful to keep in mind that their perception of time may be different than yours—they may think something happened recently when in fact it occurred months or years earlier.

Establish A Healthy Routine

People with memory loss need to have a stable daily routine. By keeping things simple, they are less likely to experience anxiety and agitation, which can worsen their symptoms. You don’t have to move into their home or take on the role of caregiver to help them follow a schedule, instead, check out local senior centers, meal delivery services, day programs, and transportation options. If necessary, hire someone to do household chores so your parents don’t become overwhelmed by these tasks.

Keep Track Of Medication And Doctor’s Visits

It is often difficult to keep track of when medication should be taken, or whether a doctor’s visit has already occurred—this information can quickly get lost in the shuffle. To avoid this problem, designate one person to manage your parent’s appointments and medications. Consider using a day planner or calendar to organize your schedule. If possible, have them mark the dates on which they take their medicine. Be sure that they are aware of all appointments, test results, and prescriptions that have been filled. If your parents live within driving distance of their doctor or pharmacy, let them know that you will pick up any prescription medication at their next appointment.

Make Sure Their Belongings Are Safe And Easily Accessible

It’s easy for people with memory loss to misplace things—especially valuables like keys and wallets. One helpful tip is keeping duplicates of these items at another location, so if your parents leave something behind, you’ll have it available. You may also place anything you don’t want to lose in a locked location, like a closet or filing cabinet. Other items may benefit from being marked with your parent’s name or contact information—this could be on an ID tag, luggage tag, or sticker.

Caring for someone who has memory loss can be difficult, but with some organization and patience, you’ll be able to help them maintain their independence. By following these tips, you may also be able to avoid unnecessary stress and frustration—which will help both of you cope with this challenging situation.