It’s a question more and more families are asking when a loved one experiences a memory lapse. Is it just typical memory loss due to the natural course of aging or is it a sign of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease? Here we’ll discuss the key indicators that an individual may have more specific care needs for memory loss, as well as expert tips for what to do next.
QUICK ANSWER: The right time for memory care is often when memory loss begins affecting safety, daily routines, personal health, or the well-being of family caregivers. While every person’s journey is different, early conversations can help families make thoughtful decisions before a crisis occurs.
The Regularity of Forgetfulness
We all experience forgetfulness in our lives; the key is knowing when it’s normal and when it may be an indication that something more serious is happening. Generally, a one-off such as losing something or forgetting what day it is and then remembering later are not signs of Alzheimer’s. But when instances of forgetfulness become regular—ongoing issues with remembering to pay monthly bills, trouble following a conversation, or making poor decisions over and over again—this can be a sign of declining cognitive health and it may be time to seek medical advice from a professional.
EXPERT TIP: If you’re concerned that forgetfulness is a sign of something more serious, keep notes of when you notice significant instances of memory loss. This will help you keep track and provide a better overall report for the doctor when you ask about an evaluation, if needed.
The Risk of Safety
When deciding when to move to memory care, the main indicator that more help may be needed is when safety becomes a concern. Common safety concerns that can be signs of significant cognitive loss include:
- Increased risk of falling or losing balance (depending on the circumstance, this may not be due to physical inability but by changes due to brain damage)
- Driving unsafely or getting lost while driving
- Meal prep that results in regularly leaving things on the stove or in the oven
- Often losing important items like house keys or the phone
- Getting locked out of the house or car with inability to problem solve to get help
EXPERT TIP: If you or your family have safety concerns for a loved one, talk to your doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry you didn’t speak up earlier for fear of overreacting.
The Decline of Physical and/or Mental Health
Many symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia aren’t noticeable to others until the disease has progressed much further. At first, someone with memory loss won’t appear ill or that anything is wrong except for those closest to them.
If you’ve noticed any of the following physical changes, they could be signs of dementia progression:
- Weight loss
- Lack of upkeep or personal hygiene
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
It’s also important to notice any changes in personality. Are they becoming more anxious? More aggressive? This can be a sign that they are depressed or in pain and are unable to communicate this effectively.
EXPERT TIP: According to dementia expert Tam Cummings, PhD (“Dr. Tam”), who has helped thousands of families navigate cognitive loss, the main lesson caregivers must learn is that for the person with dementia, behavior is not intentional. React slowly and with patience as you consider when to move to memory care.
The Level of Stress You’re Feeling
It may surprise you to know that a key indicator that it may be time to look into memory care is when the stress you feel about your loved one is impacting your own self-care. Worry and anxiety about a loved one’s memory loss can have a devastating effect. You may stop socializing with friends due to the exhaustion you feel, or even become depressed. It’s important to know that you may feel a range of emotions, including guilt, anger, and even grief. Everything you are going through is completely normal, and your own well-being is just as important to consider when you are concerned about a loved one.
EXPERT TIP: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with worry or helplessness about your loved one, reach out to a local support group. Contact us at The Stayton for more information. We understand the need for dementia support in Fort Worth that also helps caregivers spend time with their loved ones without the stress of worrying about their medical care and well-being.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
✓ Getting lost in familiar places
✓ Missing medications
✓ Forgetting to eat
✓ Leaving the stove on
✓ Poor hygiene
✓ Weight loss
✓ Personality changes
✓ Unsafe driving
✓ Increasing caregiver stress
If you’re noticing several of these signs in your loved one, it may be time to start the conversation.
When to Move to Memory Care
It’s important to remember that everyone is different when it comes to natural cognitive changes and symptoms of more serious memory loss. Generally, the key signs to watch for are safety concerns, declining health, and increasing stress of an adult child or other caregiver. If you or your family are noticing these signs, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about memory care in Fort Worth at The Stayton and our design to keep people thriving, even as needs change.
We provide personalized memory care plans for each resident with the utmost respect, focusing on their dignity and joy. This includes social interaction and exercise, proven to reduce isolation and support brain health. We also provide care by certified dementia caregivers using proven observational tools to assess pain, depression, and anxiety, all issues that your loved one may not be able to express verbally. In fact, we’ve partnered with the aforementioned Dr. Tam, who has developed a classification and staging tool for the behavioral, communication, and movement variations of the frontotemporal dementias (the only tool of its kind).
To start the conversation, schedule time with one of our memory care team members by calling (866)-497-3788 or sending your questions to care.thestayton.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is usually the first sign someone needs Memory Care?
While everyone is different, safety concerns, increasing forgetfulness, and difficulty managing daily tasks are among the earliest indicators.
Is it better to move to Memory Care early?
Many families find that moving before a crisis allows their loved one to adjust more easily and begin building relationships in a supportive environment.
Can someone with dementia stay at home?
Some people can safely remain at home for a period of time with appropriate support. As needs increase and safety becomes a concern, Memory Care typically is a better long-term solution.
How do I know if I’m waiting too long?
If you’re constantly worried, receiving calls from neighbors, managing repeated emergencies, or feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver, it may be time to explore memory care options.