Here’s What You Can Do to Help Your Aging Loved Ones.
About 1 in 5 adults in the US are caregivers for a friend or family member. About 9% of caregivers are providing care to someone with dementia. Caregiving can be a difficult, intense task, especially when caring for someone with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Here are some facts about how your brain changes as you age, and what you can do to help you or your loved one stay healthy.
Memory loss isn’t normal.
Most think that forgetfulness is a typical part of aging, and that as we become older, we tend to not remember things as well. This assumption, however, doesn’t apply for memory loss. Although our ability to recall information is hindered as we age, total memory loss for events, places, and people is a sign that your loved one is experiencing SCD. 1 in 9 people aged 45 years and over are experiencing SCD; SCD consists of self-reported memory problems that increasingly get worse over a period of time, typically a year. SCD can interfere with day-to-day living, activities, and relationships.
Early intervention is key.
Cognitive decline isn’t easy to spot, especially when its impact on your daily living is minimal. In fact, less than half of people experiencing SCD have discussed their symptoms with a health provider. However, the sooner you can address these problems, the sooner you can start treatment and the better your outcome will be. Early intervention can consist of building a support/care network to monitor your health, such as family or friends. Early intervention can also mean having a caregiver, such as a Home Health Aide, to assist you with your activities of daily living (ADLs). Monitoring your symptoms early on can help you and your doctor create a plan of treatment and support your brain health as you or your loved one ages.
Support you and your loved ones.
The biggest factor in caring for a loved one with cognitive decline is support. Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases are challenging, both for the patient and their loved ones. It’s difficult to confront symptoms such as memory loss, especially as they progress. Talk to a therapist or healthcare agency to lessen the burden of being a caregiver. Help your loved one with cognitive decline continue to live their life as independently and as wholly as possible. Engaging in activities can help stimulate your brain and maintain your cognition.
Being a caregiver for someone with cognitive issues can be a thankless task. However, you are not alone in caring for your loved one. Building a support network between family and friends, yourself, and healthcare providers can ease the difficulties of dealing with Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. Elite HomeCare specializes in providing home healthcare to those in need of a helping hand. Our staff of HHAs, LPNs, and RNs are ready to assist you and your loved ones and provide the care you deserve.
If you or anyone you know needs care, please visit our website for information or contact us at (732)-964-0062.
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