Forgetting things from time to time is a normal part of life and nothing to be too concerned about. But when you are a caregiver, it can be hard to know when your loved one’s forgetfulness is worth worrying over. Dementia is more common than most people think, affecting 64% of people over the age of 64. Here are some of the key differences between normal forgetfulness and dementia to help you decide whether getting tested is ideal and if nursing home services are necessary.
1. Forgetting things frequently
Aging is likely to cause people to forget things from time to time. However, it may be concerning when your loved one begins to forget things more frequently than usual. If their forgetfulness continues or becomes more severe, it may be a good idea to have them tested for dementia. Should they test positive, nursing home services may be needed later down the line.
2. Forgetfulness is impacting their daily life
Another sign that differentiates normal forgetfulness from something more serious like Alzheimer’s and dementia is the type of information that’s forgotten. With typical forgetfulness, someone might forget a monthly bill or may occasionally forget to take their medication. When a person’s forgetfulness begins to impact their daily life in a way it hadn’t before is when it may be worth going to see the doctor. For instance, if your loved one has started forgetting to eat or drink water or they’re forgetting to take their medication on a regular basis, they might be struggling with something more than forgetfulness.
3. Misplacing items
Lastly, a big indicator that someone may need to be tested for dementia is their habit of misplacing items. While occasionally forgetting where you have put something is common, consistently losing items and being unable to find them is a sign that something may be wrong. This is especially true if the person was once able to find all of their items, but is recently having difficulty locating things.
It can be hard to tell the difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia. However, if your loved one’s behavior has started to change and negatively impact their life, it’s a good idea to seek out a doctor. When a loved one’s forgetfulness begins to negatively impact their daily life and put themselves at risk, nursing home services may be worth considering. The experienced nursing home services of Manor Grove have the compassionate and professional nursing assistance you need to keep your loved ones happy and healthy. To learn more about our nursing home services, contact Manor Grove today to schedule a tour.
