Dementia affects seniors differently, but there are common symptoms experienced at some point by most adults with this condition. These are issues that could disrupt daily life, making it dangerous for seniors to be alone. Below you’ll find some of the top reasons family caregivers should never leave an aging loved one with dementia alone, whether it’s at home or out in public.
Falls
Dementia damages visual perception, making it difficult to navigate the home, drive, prepare meals, and handle other household chores. The visual problems could also increase the risk of slips and falls. Even minor tumbles can have severe consequences, such as internal bleeding and infections, which is one of the reasons your loved one should never be left alone. To lower your parent’s odds of falling, have a family member, friend, or professional caregiver accompany him or her when going to the store, visiting with others, and attending community events.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated in-home care providers can reach out to Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Wandering
One of the top symptoms associated with dementia is wandering. When seniors wander off, they risk hurting themselves or getting lost. Dementia is a progressive disorder that increases memory problems, impairs logical thinking, and diminishes the sense of direction. While out wandering around, your parent could forget who he or she is, where he or she lives, and how to get back home. However, monitoring your loved one throughout the day and never leaving him or her at home alone could reduce the risk of wandering and increase his or her safety.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Harrisburg families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care.
Cooking Mishaps
Dementia typically impacts short-term memory first, which prevents seniors from recalling things they did yesterday or even a few minutes ago. As a result, they have a higher risk of harming themselves when left alone. For example, your parent could start cooking something on the stove, walk away, and forget to return to the kitchen, increasing the risk of a fire. Dementia also causes seniors to hallucinate, so your loved one could mistake a sharp object for a cooking utensil and cut him or herself when preparing meals or snacks. Never leave your loved one alone in the kitchen or in other potentially dangerous rooms in the house.
Elder Scams
Seniors are targeted more often than people in other age groups when it comes to scams and theft because of their age and limited mobility. However, because of decreased memory and poor judgment, older adults with dementia have an even higher risk of falling prey to elder scams than other seniors. Never leave your loved one alone, either during the day or at night. The individuals who are monitoring your loved one while you’re away must be experienced, honest, and dependable. These caregivers could protect your loved one’s finances and personal information, reducing the risk of identity theft and other elder scams.