Dementia is a serious disorder that, over time, leads to forgetfulness, memory loss, and other troublesome issues. While dementia isn’t a specific disease (more a mixture of conditions), there are some early signs you can look out for. By paying attention to these early signs, you’ll increase the likelihood of an early diagnosis and getting help early on.
Below is more information about the signs of early dementia you should look for, along with hospice care (which may be an option for patients suffering from dementia).
7 Signs of Early Dementia
- Memory Loss
One of the biggest telltale signs of dementia is memory loss. People with dementia start to suffer from the inability to recall information over time.
- Issues with Language
Those that suffer from dementia may find they have difficulty finding the words they are looking for to express ideas.
- Difficulty with Tasks
For those with dementia, even routine tasks may become difficult. This may include cooking, cleaning, and other tasks.
- Impaired Judgment
Patients with dementia may start to make poor decisions, some of which seem obvious to those that do not suffer from the ailment.
- Misplacing Items
Along with memory loss comes forgetfulness. Often times those with early dementia will find that they start to misplace more and more items.
- Changes in Behavior and Mood
Mood swings, especially large ones, may be an indicator of dementia.
- Problems Thinking Abstractly
Things that require a little more abstract thinking (like problem solving and math) may become more difficult over time for a patient with dementia.
What is Hospice Care?
While dementia starts small, it can quickly escalate over time. If this is the case, even basic tasks can become extremely difficult to perform. At this point, a person with dementia and their family will need to consider additional care. For some, this means a family member taking on the position of primary caregiver. Sometimes family members don’t have the ability or time to take care of a patient. If this is the case, hospice care may be an option.
Hospice care involves a hospice care specialist helping to care for the patient suffering from dementia. This may include emotional, physical, and psychological support.
Who is Hospice Care for?
Hospice care is often for patients with life-limiting illnesses. This generally means a patient that has around six months left to live or less. With that said, it can also be a great option for a patient suffering from dementia.
Hospice care is not only to support the patient suffering from dementia, though. It is also to help the primary caregiver. Many people don’t know how to properly care for a patient with dementia, and many caregivers have outside obligations that do not allow them to take care of their loved one all the time. Hospice care allows the primary caregiver to take some time off to relax and catch up on work and other obligations.
If your loved one or you are suffering from dementia and require additional care, reach out to Comfort and Peace Hospice. We will discuss the different options that may be available, and how we can help your loved one or you in your time of need.
How Does Hospice Care Work?
Hospice care takes a few different forms. Below are the most common types of hospice care:
Routine Home Care
Routine home care is very common. It involves a patient receiving hospice care at home. During this time, the patient will receive care from medical professionals, social workers, and even volunteers. Their spiritual needs are met, pain is managed, and they receive mental and emotional support. Routine home care provides patients with the peace they need to enjoy their final days.
General Inpatient Care
If a patient needs additional support for a period of time, general inpatient care may be required. During this process, the patient resides at a hospice care facility. They receive extra care that addresses symptoms and helps to stabilize them. Once the patient is stabilized, they can return home for routine care.
Respite Care
While you may be doing an excellent job as the primary caregiver for your loved one, you may also need some time off to rest.
Respite care is a form of care that involves a patient checking into a facility for a short period of time. This form of care allows the primary caregiver to take a break and recharge. They are also able to take care of outside obligations that they may have fallen behind on. Once they have recharged their batteries, they can bring the patient home and continue care.
Patients receive top-quality care and support during respite care. If you are the primary caregiver, you don’t need to worry about your loved one. It is guaranteed they will be taken care of extremely well during your time off.
Continuous Care
If a patient is going through a crisis, continuous care may be required. This may be due to anxiety, extreme pain, and/or respiratory distress. Continuous care involves a patient being cared for anywhere from a few hours a day to a few full days. If the caregiver can address the core issues, they will. Otherwise, they will handle the symptoms until they pass.
Providing Better Care
Reach Out Today!
Dementia is a serious ailment that often gets worse over time. It’s best to try and catch dementia early to help with treatment. With that said, there is no known cure for dementia. Part of this is because dementia can be made up of a variety of different conditions.
If you have a loved one that is suffering from dementia and you would like additional support, reach out to Comfort and Peace today. We will discuss the different levels of care that may be available for your loved one. We can then provide you with the assistance you need during this difficult time.
We look forward to speaking with you.
