PAGE 37
Spotlight on
“
SeniorS”
RIGHT AT HOME
312
US HWY 206 South
Hillsborough
By: Janet Kuebler,
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA),
Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
Janet Kuebler
When a loved one experiences memory
issues, one of the first concerns that comes
to mind is, “Is it Alzheimer’s Disease?“
Knowing the difference between normal
age-related memory issues and any causes
for concern is a helpful tool. According to
the Alzheimer’s Association, there are ten
warning signs to be aware of regarding
memory loss that can be considered more
than usual. The first concern deals with
memory loss that causes a disruption in daily
life: forgetting appointments, important
dates or events, asking for the same infor-
mation over and over, and an increase in
reliance on notes or family members for
things they used to handle on their own.
Remembering the appointments or events
later is typical for age related memory issues.
The second warning sign involves diffi-
culty with solving problems or following a
plan. Examples are problems with addition
or subtraction, paying monthly bills or fol-
lowing a recipe. A normal memory change
may be minor errors while balancing the
checkbook.
Difficulty with familiar tasks is the third
sign – this can be forgetting what plates
are used for and where they are stored or
the location of a favorite store or long used
hair dresser. A common age-related change
would be needing help with cell phone set-
tings or the microwave settings.
A fourth sign may be confusing morn-
ing and nighttime as well as seasons and
can be another cause for concern. Typical
memory loss may be forgetting the day of
the week but recalling it later.
A fifth area of concern deals with visual
impairment, beyond glasses and cataracts. If
your loved one has trouble with distance,
color and contrast, driving may become
increasingly difficult. This would be apparent
by an increase in small accidents or incidents.
If your loved one seems to have trouble
joining or following conversations, beyond
hearing loss, this is considered the sixth
warning sign. Repeating themselves on a
regular basis is another cause of concern.
Occasionally losing the thread of the con-
versation or having trouble finding the
right word is considered normal.
An increase in misplaced or lost items
can be an issue, especially if your loved one
cannot retrace their steps to retrieve the
items. If the item can be found later by
recalling how or when it is misplaced, then
it would be considered normal age-related
memory loss.
The eighth warning sign involves de-
creased or poor judgment regarding money or
personal hygiene. Making a bad decision
occasionally is not a cause for concern.
Withdrawal from family, social activities
or work is another area of concern. If your
loved one is no longer interested in their
favorite TV shows or sport teams and is not
interested in attending family functions,
this can be a cause of concern. Occasional
weariness of these activities is considered
normal.
The final warning sign regarding memo-
ry loss given by the Alzheimer’s Association
deals with changes in mood or personality.
Being set in one’s routine is okay as long as
that is not a cause for anger when the rou-
tine is interrupted.
If any of the above warning signs are a
cause of concern for you or your loved one,
a complete physical is recommended since
there may be a physical cause for the mem-
ory loss. These physical conditions include
depression, medication side effects, alcohol
abuse, thyroid problems and vitamin defi-
ciencies. Memory problems may improve
when the condition is treated or addressed.
If you are concerned about your loved
one and need a little extra assistance for
them,
Right at Home
can help. We offer
companion services and personal care in
Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, on an
hourly, overnight or live-in basis as well as
transportation to appointments. Call us at
908-281-7961
for your free consultation.
Visit our website at www.westcentral
nj.rightathome.net or email us at info@
rah-wcnj.com for more information. Our
caregivers are screened, bonded and
insured with criminal background checks,
drug screening and professional reference
checks. We strive for the best caregiver
match possible for the client and their
needs.
Right at Home
will provide peace
of mind to families struggling with the care
of their elderly loved ones.
Memory Loss in a Loved One: Is it Alzheimer’s Disease?
Maintaining
Independence
Option
is an
Let us help you or your loved one
customize a care plan for assistance
that maintains dignity and independence
while enhancing the independent
living experience.
From: Hospital and Rehab
•
Transportation Home
•
Home Safety Inspection
•
Prescriptions Filled
•
Pill Box filled by RN
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Meal Prep
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RN Training on Self Care
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Coordinate Medical Equipment
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Make Follow-up Doctor’s Appointments
To: Home, Assisted Living or Hospice Care
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Companionship
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Meal Preparation
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Medication Reminders
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Bathing and Dressing
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Toileting
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Laundry and Linens
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Light Housework
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Shopping and Errands
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Local Transportation
Somerset and Hunterdon Counties
www.westcentralnj.rightathome.net
Call today for your
free assessment.
908.281.7961
Hearing Aid Center
Since 1969
Call Charlotte at 800-742-7551 Ext. 202
www.speechandhearingassoc.com
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