Memory loss is something that concerns many of us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of seniors with Alzheimer's disease is expected to nearly triple over the next 40 years. Memory issues can deeply affect not only the patient, but the family who cares for them.
Signs of Memory Loss:
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Getting lost while walking or driving to a familiar place
If you have a loved one who is exhibiting signs of memory loss, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your loved one's primary care physician (PCP) as soon as possible.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term that describes a group of symptoms including a decline in memory or other thinking and social skills. These symptoms are severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
Once the diagnosis, and stage/severity, of dementia is determined, you'll want to get started on planning for the future. There are adult day services to consider where your loved one may spend the day with a trained staff offering activities as well as meals; sometimes bathing is offered as an additional service. The adult day service is helpful for primary caregivers (often a spouse or adult child) who need to run errands, clean the house, or snag a few hours of much-deserved rest.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be exhausting. You are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As your loved one requires more advanced care, it may be time to consider a memory care neighborhood which is a personal care home that offers specialized attention for people with dementia. Activities vary by level of resident ability, engaging different residents in different ways – for example, some residents flourish during guided art classes, others are partial to their individualized music play list, while still others enjoy engaging in physical exercise.
Compassionate Memory Care at The Garden
Secure memory care, offered at Pine Run's The Garden, provides an abundance of fulfilling activities in a safe setting for those with dementia who tend to be physically active. While families sometimes experience guilt in placing their loved one in a memory care neighborhood, they soon find peace of mind knowing that their loved one is well cared for, and the caregiver can return to a more manageable pace at home.
Plan to visit Pine Run's The Garden today, so you can position your loved one for a rewarding tomorrow. Contact Vicki Bosler, business development director at Pine Run's at 215.340.5201 to schedule a tour.
Ongoing Support
Need support? Consider joining Pine Run's memory care support group held monthly at Lakeview Personal Care, 2425 Lower State Road in Doylestown, on the third Wednesday of each month at 3 pm. To register, please call Maureen Riley, life enrichment director, at 215.489.5874.
