At Paxton Hall, we understand the importance of being aware of and understanding dementia and memory issues. To this end, we have put together this guide to help highlight some of the early signs of dementia, giving our residents and their families the insights they need to understand and support each other better.
Unveiling the Early Markers of Dementia:
Dementia can present itself in many forms and can lead to alterations in communication and behaviour, as it quietly changes how someone talks, behaves, and communicates with others.
Some characteristics which might be early signs of changes in the brain, indicating that something more significant is going on, include the following:
-Becoming more forgetful and struggling with thoughts; whilst it is normal for everyone to forget things now and then, if someone starts forgetting things a lot more often, especially things that affect their day-to-day life such as remembering whether one has eaten or taken their prescribed medication.
-The trouble with plans and schedules and solving simple problems and challenges – eg if it is getting hard to follow a hitherto very familiar recipe or keep track of bills.
-Missing important dates or appointments or needing more reminders than usual.
-Frequently getting mixed up with time and place, forgetting what day/month/year/season or time of day it is.
-Having frequent problems with finding the right word/s for an object a feeling or a thought or calling people and objects by the wrong name.
-Asking the same questions repeatedly and not registering the answers.
-Repeating the same narrative or stories again and again, or losing train of thought during conversations, thus making it difficult to hold a logical discussion.
-Stepping Back from social life and skipping favourite get-togethers or events, especially for someone who usually loves company, thus indicates the possible difficulty experienced by being with others.
Embracing Support with Open Arms:
Spotting and acknowledging these signs in ourselves or our loved ones takes a great deal of courage. If there is the slightest doubt or suspicion of an onset of Dementia, it would be advisable to seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity, as early intervention can make a big difference in how one lives one’s life going forward.
Noticing the early signs of dementia is the start of a caring journey. It leads us down a road filled with kindness, patience, and the warm support of everyone around us.
When dementia starts, it can quietly change how someone talks and mixes with others. Noticing these changes can help us all be more understanding and supportive, making sure everyone feels included and valued.
A Pathway Filled with Care and Empathy:
At Paxton Hall Care Home, spotting these signs early helps us to be as caring and adaptable as we can, making this a wonderful place for our residents to feel safe, at home and comfortable, where anyone dealing with memory issues feels understood and valued.
Here, it is all about having honest and caring conversations with all concerned, to help us all understand and manage these changes together, thus helping the residents live happily and with respect.
At Paxton Hall Care Home, joining forces, armed with understanding and compassion, we can build a caring environment for those navigating dementia’s twists and turns. It’s not the challenges that define this journey, but the special moments of friendship and warmth we share along the way.