Tips for Helping a Parent with Early Memory Loss Handle Household Tasks

By Jamie Shapiro | June 21, 2016 | Comments Off on Tips for Helping a Parent with Early Memory Loss Handle Household Tasks

Senior Care in Highland Park IL

For seniors who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, memory loss is generally the earliest symptom that they and the people around them notice. Though there are many other reasons why your elderly parent may begin to experience this memory loss, dementia is the most common and leads to progressive loss that starts so mild it is barely detectable and then increases until your parent is no longer capable of caring for themselves. While your parent will need extensive care and assistance during the moderate to advanced stages of memory loss, during the early stages they are much more likely to be able to handle things on their own. Encouraging them to maintain as much of their independence as possible is an important part of supporting their health and wellbeing throughout their later years.

One of the most important expressions of independence for many elderly adults is taking care of their own home. This is something that they have likely done throughout their adulthood and it is a valuable part of keeping them feeling comfortable and relevant. For those with memory loss, however, these tasks can take on a greater challenge. Helping them to remember their tasks and how to do them can enable your loved one to continue playing an active role in maintaining their home as they age in place.

 

Try these tips for helping your parent with early memory loss handle household tasks:

  • Create a schedule. Structure and routine are extremely valuable for seniors who are dealing with memory loss. Creating a schedule for them now will give them that sense of structure and can help them to feel more secure in their tasks. This routine can also help to keep their memories and cognitive processing centers sharper as they go through the same tasks consistently. Write this schedule on a large piece of paper and display it prominently so that your parent can refer to it as needed
  • Use notes. Post notes throughout the home that will give your parent a quick reminder of things that they need to do. It could be a note on the sink that says “wash your dishes” or one on the back of the bathroom door that reminds them to put their laundry in the hamper after a shower
  • Give instructions. Even tasks that seem simple and familiar to you could be confusing to a senior with memory loss. They may know what they are supposed to do, but not remember exactly how to do it. Post instructions that will help them to remember how to handle these tasks. For maximum effectiveness, try adding simple pictures to each step that your loved one can follow.

 

As memory loss progresses, senior care can be an exceptional option for your aging parent. Hiring a senior home care services provider offers your parent a personalized course of care and assistance that keeps in mind your loved one’s specific needs and challenges, while still encouraging as much independence as possible. This means that you and your parent can have pace of mind that your loved one is safe, healthy and comfortable, but is still living the lifestyle that they need and deserve.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Highland Park, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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