Dementia is a frightening, stressful, and often strange collection of behaviors that progress in severity over time. Caring for a loved one or being aware that you may have a genetic link to this frightening issue poses many challenges to the afflicted and the caregivers alike. For this reason, it is paramount to be on the lookout for the early signs and behaviors. This way all parties can plan accordingly.
Wandering
Perhaps one of the better known early signs, people with dementia will often start wandering seemingly aimlessly. This behavior arises because the sufferer will wish to run an errand or go somewhere but forget along the way. This can also involve wanting to satiate a physical need, like hunger or thirst and are typically preceded by a trigger. It is important to look for patterns in these occurrences to identify possible triggers.
Repetitive Speech or Behavior
Another early sign of dementia is the frequent repetition of a word, statement, question, or activity excessively. Though, usually annoying rather than harmful it is important to note that this behavior can be triggered by anxiety or fear and the situations in which repetition appears is important to note.
Paranoia
Among one of the most painful and frustrating for loved ones and caregivers, paranoia is another early behavior. Watching someone you love or care for become suspicious, accusatory, and reclusive can be very difficult. Simply, keep in mind that it is the nature of the disease and is equally distressing for your loved one, only they may lack the awareness to cope with it like a loved one or caregiver might. Don’t take it personally.
Difficulty Dressing
Subtle changes in the way a person suffering from dementia begins dressing is another early sign that something may be psychologically amiss. With advanced patients, this may look like wearing evening clothes like a gown or tuxedo to bed but as an early sign, it may appear as suddenly mismatching patterns when they were previously very coordinated or excessively layering clothing.
Keep these signs in mind if you suspect yourself or someone you love may be exhibiting the early signs of dementia. With preparation for what steps may have to be taken will make the transitions that may happen later a little easier for everyone.
What to Look for in an Adult Day Care
As some people age and no longer are able to care for themselves on a full-time basis, many people end up moving back in with their children or other loved ones. While this can be a good solution at night and on weekends, those that need to work are not able to care for their parents during the day. In these situations, going to an adult day care facility could be the best option. When you are looking for an adult day care facility, there are several different factors to take into consideration.
Ability to Meet Needs
The individual needs of someone who requires adult day care varies considerably from one person to the next. Because of this, it is important to confirm that the adult day care facility has the ability to provide the services you need. Some of the common services can include assistance with eating, light therapy, and other forms of care.
Quality of Staff
Since they are responsible for caring for your loved ones, it is also important to consider the quality of the staff at the property. You should focus on what the staffing ratios are to ensure that the staff will adequately be able to meet the needs of all people. You should also confirm what the education and experience is of the staff members to ensure they are equipped to handle any emergency that arises.
Overall Atmosphere
Finally, you should try to get a feel for the overall environment at the property. Since the attendee will be spending up to eight hours per day in the property, it would be ideal to find one that is comfortable and fun to attend. Part of your review should include reviewing activity calendars, getting a feel for the energy in the property, and even tasting the food. All of these factors can have a major impact on the overall experience that someone can have.
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