An unfortunate side-effect of aging is a decline in cognitive function. This can mean mild memory problems for some seniors as they get older. For those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can lead to not recognizing friends and family and even forgetting how to swallow and breathe. Memory care services for seniors can maintain and extend their cognitive abilities through various therapies and medications. Senior memory care services can significantly improve seniors’ quality of life and give their families peace of mind knowing they are getting the best care available.
At Buckner Retirement Services, we provide quality memory care services to seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families. Through long-term senior care or respite care options, we employ a combination of behavioral and occupational therapy along with medication management and skilled nursing to help our residents. To learn more about our senior memory care services, call 214.227.7182 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff and schedule a tour of one of our six senior living communities in Texas.
Causes of Memory Loss in Seniors
Though memory loss increases with age, there are several medical conditions that can contribute to a senior’s cognitive decline. Common causes of memory loss in seniors include:
- Alzheimer’s disease – Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily activities.
- Stroke – A stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain. It can cause memory loss, confusion, and difficulty speaking and understanding language.
- Parkinson’s disease – Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition that affects movement and balance. It can also contribute to memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior.
- Tumor or trauma to the brain – Tumors and head trauma can both cause memory loss, confusion, language difficulties, and changes in behavior.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency – Vitamin B12 helps keep nerve cells healthy and plays an important role in forming new memories. A deficiency can cause memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
No matter what the cause of memory loss is, it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. With quality memory care services for seniors, they can maintain their cognitive abilities and keep doing the things they enjoy.
4 Signs of Memory Loss in Seniors
Memory loss is a common sign of aging, but how do you know if a parent has dementia or simply age-related memory loss? The short answer is often that the main difference is one of degree. Seniors with age-related memory loss may become easily distracted or miss medical appointments, while seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may not recognize someone they’ve known their entire life.
If you suspect a parent or loved one has Alzheimer’s, look for these common signs of memory loss in seniors:
- Unable to solve numerical problems – An increasing problem balancing checkbooks and figuring out basic math problems is a common early sign of dementia. It can be as simple as not figuring out the tip at the end of a meal to struggling to determine the time of day.
- Everyday tasks are more difficult – Seniors with Alzheimer’s can suddenly forget how to do common household chores or forget the rules of a game. This condition can also affect physical activities, like forgetting how to swing a golf club or forgetting the path of a favorite hiking trail.
- Changing personality – If your parent is usually upbeat and happy and begins to show signs of fear, agitation, or depression, it can mean they are in the early stages of dementia.
- Poor judgment skills – Another common sign of Alzheimer’s is not taking the necessary steps to prepare for an activity, like getting ready to leave the house and not putting on a heavy coat for winter or simply walking outside without dressing.
It can be distressing to recognize the signs of memory loss in a loved one, but finding help can provide the support they need to stay healthy.
How Can Memory Care Services Help?
Memory care services offer many benefits for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is a form of long-term care that includes help with declining cognitive functions and basic living needs. They will live in a secure facility where behavioral therapists and staff will work with residents to improve their quality of life, help with any confusion, and prevent wandering.
Additional memory care services include:
- General full-time supervision and care
- Alzheimer’s care
- Dementia care
- Medication management
- Memory-enhancing activities
- Occupational, speech, and physical therapy
- Assistance with daily living activities
- Nutritious meal plans based on dietary needs
- Transportation services
- Housekeeping services
At Buckner Retirement Services, our goal is to help your aging parents or loved ones maintain a quality of life where they are comfortable and safe. We help seniors maintain a comfortable quality of life through our memory care services and other long-term care needs.
Memory Care Services for Seniors at Buckner Retirement Services
Buckner Retirement Services wants to help put you at ease by caring for the person in your life struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care services are a critical component of senior living care and can help slow memory loss in seniors with physical and mental activities.
If you suspect your parent or a loved one might benefit from memory care services, contact us at 214.227.7182 today to learn more about our dementia care and other senior care services.