As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to pay extra attention to our loved ones, especially as they get older. After all, for some families, this is one of the few opportunities they have a year to make plans with their beloved matriarch or patriarch. If you are worried about their health, particularly their cognitive abilities, a holiday gathering is your chance to check in on their wellbeing.
At Homestead Home Health Care Services, we understand the unique challenges faced during this festive but often hectic time. Be mindful that observing certain behaviors could indicate the need for professional support, including those of our personal home health care in Michigan.
To learn more about the ten key dementia behaviors to watch for as well get in depth info regarding how a home health care service could help, continue reading:
#1.) Changes in Social Interaction
During family gatherings, someone exhibiting the early signs of dementia might seem unusually quiet or withdrawn. They might avoid engaging in conversations or show less interest in grandchildren excited about the holidays. While everyone has days they don’t feel like themselves, this could be a red flag to be aware of.
#2.) Altered Sleep Patterns
It is no secret that the excitement and changes in routine around the holidays can disrupt sleep. However, you may notice your loved one is having difficulty sleeping through the night or is experiencing increased restlessness that isn’t necessarily related to the holiday busyness. If so, it might be time to consider visiting with their physician.
#3.) Mood Swings and Increased Irritability
Another tip is to look for signs like sudden sadness during a festive dinner or unexplained anger when decorations are being put up. If they are typically in a jolly mood during this time of year, this is an important change to make note of. Also, these mood swings can be more pronounced in the stimulating holiday environment. Increased stress can trigger irritability and agitation.
#4.) Frequent Memory Lapses
When you only see your senior loved one a few times a year, forgetting a few details about your life may be normal. However, not remembering the names of visiting relatives or not recognizing family members can be alarming. In addition to this, they might also forget significant holiday traditions or the meaning behind certain celebrations.
#5.) Difficulty with Routine Tasks
During your visit, do you notice that your loved one is having a hard time with routine tasks? For example, does preparing a holiday meal or wrapping gifts seem overwhelming? Are they forgetting the steps to making their famous cherry pie? You might notice confusion or frustration with tasks that were previously handled with ease and if so, it could be a sign of dementia.
#6.) Confusion About Time or Place
The holiday bustle can exacerbate confusion and increase disorientation. Your loved one might think they need to prepare for an event that’s not happening or believe they are in a different location. They may also believe that particular people will be coming over, even if those individuals have since passed away.
#7.) Trouble Understanding Visual Images
Another sign to stay aware of is if they are having difficulty in perceiving spatial relationships. This can become extra apparent when navigating holiday decorations or crowded rooms. Also, if you are out shopping at a crowded mall or shopping center, they might easily become overwhelmed and disoriented.
#8.) Problems with Communication
Someone facing cognitive decline will begin to exhibit difficulties with communication. Struggling to follow or join conversations during family dinners or getting easily lost in the storytelling can be a sign. They might also repetitively ask the same questions about holiday plans or fail to process newly presented information.
#9.) Misplacing Things
Have you noticed that your loved one has unusual places for storing holiday items, like finding ornaments in the fridge or gifts in the laundry room? This kind of behavior can be a telltale sign. They may also accuse others of stealing misplaced items, which can create elevated tension during holiday gatherings.
#10.) Decreased Judgment
Those struggling with dementia will often show signs of decreased judgment. Around the holidays, this might include wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or being unusually generous with money, such as offering large amounts of cash as gifts. This kind of reckless behavior can put their safety and wellbeing at risk, indicating that it might be time to hire professional help.
How Personal Home Health Care in Michigan Can Help
At Homestead Home Health Care Services, we specialize in personal home health care in Michigan, offering compassionate and respectful support tailored to the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Our caregivers undergo extensive training to provide a higher level of support across various disciplines, ensuring your loved one maintains as much independence as possible.
Having a personal caregiver to assist your loved one can elevate their overall quality of life, bringing peace of mind to the entire family. We are proud to offer a range of services, including morning and evening care, medication assistance, incontinence care, help with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, as well as emergency medical pendants.
The continuity of care is crucial for those living with dementia, and with our care management approach, we ensure that any changes in medical conditions are met with the necessary adjustments in care without sacrificing familiarity and comfort.
This holiday season, if you notice any of these behaviors in your loved one, it might be time to consider the benefits of personal home health care in Michigan. Homestead Home Health Care Services is here to support you and your family, providing the care and respect your loved one deserves.
If you are interested in learning more about our services and how we can assist you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team is ready to ensure wellness and safety for those important to you, making the holiday season a time of joy and comfort for everyone.