Dementia can have many causes. Some of these causes can be treated to slow or halt the progression of the disease. In other cases, there may be little your senior loved one’s doctor can do except control the symptoms with medications and lifestyle changes. There are known risks that can lead to issues for seniors with untreated dementia, and you can do your part as a caregiver to minimize the potential damage of each one.
Quicker Progression
The biggest risk of allowing dementia to go untreated is that it can get worse. If a treatment is available, encourage your loved one to give it a try. Medications can usually be adjusted if your loved one doesn’t like the side effects. In situations where there isn’t an effective treatment available, focus on helping your loved one live a healthy lifestyle. Keeping blood flowing to the brain with exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the appearance of worsening symptoms.
Wandering
Most incidences of wandering happen before families realize it’s a possibility. At some point, most people with untreated dementia need constant supervision. Stay a step ahead and arrange for more care than you think your loved one needs so you don’t find yourself having to file a missing senior report.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Arlington families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Social Isolation
The later stages of dementia make it difficult for seniors to socialize. Your loved one might become combative and challenging for other people to want to spend time around. Others may simply not know how to communicate with a senior who has lost his or her oral language skills. Help your loved one find supportive people who understand how to spend time with seniors doing productive activities.
Injuries & Illnesses
People with dementia may display poor judgment that places them in harm’s way. Your loved one may need your help to avoid ingesting chemicals or skipping meals. Make a plan to put away potentially dangerous objects that could lead to an injury. Your loved one may also need assistance at mealtimes to avoid choking and ensure he or she eats enough nutritious food.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Abuse
It doesn’t take long for criminally minded people to recognize a senior who is vulnerable. Only allow people to be alone with your loved one if you trust them completely. Your loved one’s professional caregiver can also help you watch out for signs of abuse. For instance, your loved one should never seem fearful of people who take care of him or her. You’ll also want to monitor your loved one’s accounts for potential financial scams, and make sure someone is in the home to handle phone calls and visitors.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Arlington families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (703) 988-1800 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
