When to Consider Memory Care for Your Senior Loved One

Every senior deserves to enjoy a good quality of life that’s comfortable and filled with caring relationships that keep them safe. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can slowly rob seniors of their physical, financial, and emotional security, but their loved ones do have ways to make sure this isn’t the case. Knowing when your aging loved one needs memory care helps you surround them with support that meets their essential needs and brings them greater happiness.

They’ve Lost Weight or Appear Disheveled

At first, your loved one might have been able to manage their early dementia symptoms by using smartphone alerts and other tools to remind them when to cook meals. Now, your loved one may ignore their alarm or leave a plate of already-prepared food on the table. If your loved one loses a large amount of weight unexpectedly, they might be forgetting to eat. The same is true with personal hygiene. A caregiver can visit your loved one to ensure they eat, shower, and wear clean clothes daily.

Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Corio by Institute on Aging (IOA), a leading home care San Francisco agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

They’re Neglecting Housekeeping

Everyone has different living standards, and you might know your loved one’s home has always looked lived-in. But you should worry if your loved one suddenly stops handling essential housekeeping tasks that prevent issues such as pest infestations. If your loved one is no longer washing dishes, mopping, or cleaning the bathroom, they may need a professional memory care provider to step in and help them maintain a sanitary home environment.

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with memory loss. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional memory care. Families can rely on Corio by IOA to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

They’ve Expressed Anxiety or Agitation

Seniors in the middle to late stages of dementia may understand on some level that they aren’t completely safe living alone. Or they might experience delusions that cause them great anxiety or agitation. Your loved one may express their challenging emotions verbally or physically. Either way, having a caregiver who can help you ensure your loved one has support around the clock can make them feel more secure.

They’re Mishandling Their Finances

Seniors with memory loss often experience financial trouble that’s preventable when they have strong sources of support. If you notice your loved one is receiving late notices for utility bills or their lights have been shut off, they might need help making payments on time. Your loved one may also be at risk for financial abuse if they can no longer identify a scam or can’t see through a so-called “new” friend’s requests for money. Memory caregivers can help seniors ensure bills get paid on time and alert you when they believe your loved one might be the target of scammers.

They’ve Stopped Socializing 

As the world becomes more confusing, many seniors retreat into their homes and stop attending social events. Even if your loved one no longer wants to go to major social events, they still need companionship throughout the week. One of the top benefits of memory care is that a caregiver can visit your loved one regularly to listen to their stories, share laughs, and even help them maintain their memory through fun games and activities.

For many families, hourly home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Corio by IOA, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today at (415) 750-4111.