Oftentimes, being widowed is a major life change that showcases the need to make other changes for your surviving parent. It can be common for a widowed parent to decline in mental or physical health when no longer living with a partner. Is your widowed parent now living on his or her own and showing signs of dementia? If so, you may want to consider memory care, a type of assisted living community in which trained dementia professionals are available to assist residents.
Here are three warning signs to watch for that could indicate your widowed parent may be in need of memory care soon:
1. Housekeeping.
If your deceased parent had a home health aide who is no longer assisting your widowed parent, look for signs that show your widowed parent may not be able to keep up with housekeeping. Often, home health aides who help with personal hygiene tasks only for one person help out with things like meal preparation and clean-up that would benefit both members of a couple. If your widowed parent no longer has the home health aide and it becomes apparent that he or she cannot remember to grocery shop, make meals, or clean up, or keep up with tasks like doing the laundry or basic house cleaning, it may be time to consider memory care.
2. Safety Concerns.
If your widowed parent is unable to be left alone due to concerns like leaving appliances on or having bruises or injuries that he or she does not remember incurring, memory care may be a good option going forward. When a parent cannot remember to complete tasks to help ensure safety, it may be time to move to a memory care facility.
3. Agitation, Aggression, or Anger.
It can be normal to feel upset or depressed when your spouse dies. If you notice that your widowed parent is becoming agitated or aggressive, however, rather than sad, because he or she is frustrated by limited abilities, it may be time to consider memory care. Professional caregivers are trained to help seniors with dementia handle the differences in lifestyle that memory loss brings.
For assistance and resources for you and your loved ones regarding memory care, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.