Memory Care
Serenity Gardens Seniors memory care services are designed to address the unique needs of people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Specialized caregivers provide memory care residents with day-to-day supervision, guidance and support in a safe, highly structured setting. This structure and support help to minimize confusion, agitation and related health issues that many people with Alzheimer’s experience as their disease progresses.
Not only can memory care help the person who has memory loss, but our home give families the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved one is safe and well cared for. Our memory care program is designed to eliminate much of the stress of family caregiving while giving residents a friendly community to enjoy daily interactions with their peers.
Specialized Memory Care Amenities
- Community-wide security cameras
- Delayed-egress exterior doors
- Medical alert pendants for each resident
Our Resident Rooms
Serenity Gardens Seniors offer both private or semi-private bedrooms in a residential setting that feels just like home with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
The bedrooms can be personalized with family photos, a favorite chair and other items, and all rooms include a smart TV.
To promote healthy socialization and reduce isolation, our home also includes several common areas and community spaces, such as a dining room, living room, and backyard patio. Residents are encouraged to spend their days engaging in community-based activities rather than remaining isolated in their private rooms.
Residential Memory Care Services
Serenity Gardens Seniors memory care includes private or semiprivate accommodations, along with three meals daily plus snacks.
Memory care services also include specialized therapeutic recreational programming designed to help delay the onset of dementia symptoms and improve residents’ overall quality of life. These programs include small group and one-on-one activities, such as:
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- Memory games
- Speech therapy
- In-house worship services
Additional Memory Care Information
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, behaviors and cognitive abilities. It’s estimated that 5.8 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This form of dementia is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
Understanding the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial to the individual’s quality of life. An early diagnosis provides a better chance of benefiting from treatments. Additionally, identifying the disease early helps the patient prepare emotionally, mentally and physically for what’s to come. Multiple therapies and treatments are available that can work to slow the disease’s progress.
Here are the top 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Significant Memory Loss
It’s normal to forget small details every so often, only to have the information come back later. However, a person with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease may start to forget details more often or forget information they just learned.
A person with Alzheimer’s will start to display signs of memory loss by not being able to follow along in conversations, having difficulties remembering people (even loved ones) and forgetting important details such as their home address. In the beginning, individuals might try to fight this constant memory loss by using tactics to trigger their memory. For example, they may write down their home address in their mobile phone or leave sticky notes around the house to remind them of upcoming events.
If this seems to be happening more and more frequently, it’s time to see your doctor.
The difference between normal forgetfulness at this age and an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s is if the forgotten information eventually comes back to you. If you find that it doesn’t, it could be a sign of early Alzheimer’s. - Losing Items
While most people misplace things, a person with Alzheimer’s will often put them in an inappropriate location. For example, they might put their keys in the bathroom sink. Additionally, they’ll start to have trouble retracing their steps so they can find the item. They won’t be able to describe where they were or what they were doing before losing the item.
Eventually, this experience of constantly losing things can cause your loved one to become suspicious, and they may start to accuse others of stealing from them. - Social Isolation
A person with Alzheimer’s disease can start to notice their memory problems and become embarrassed, have difficulties following conversations and become suspicious of others. These problems can cause them to withdraw at work and in social settings, actions that typically worsen as the disease progresses.
Watch out for significant changes in your loved one’s social life. This can include avoiding their club meetings, seeming uninterested in work and losing their passion for hobbies. - Challenges With Planning and Problem-Solving
Some people with Alzheimer’s experience changes in their ability to plan and problem-solve. Concentrating becomes more of a challenge, and, as a result, it takes longer to do everything than it did before. One of the most prominent signs is finding it hard to work with numbers, for example, making mistakes on recipe measurements or bill payments. - Daily Tasks Become Impossible
People can often be distracted and forget to do something simple, like adding an item to their grocery list. However, someone with Alzheimer’s will begin to find performing regular tasks, such as grocery shopping itself, challenging. Routine day-to-day tasks that require critical thinking may become more challenging as the disease progresses. It can start with the most challenging tasks being impossible, such as creating a budget or planning a holiday dinner, to simple tasks like going to the grocery store becoming impossible.
You will notice that your loved one struggles with things that seem simple and obvious to you. They might also start to avoid these tasks altogether because they’ve become so challenging. For example, you may notice rotting food in the fridge because your loved one can’t make a grocery list or navigate the grocery store, or they’ve forgotten how to cook their usual meals. These symptoms might seem like casual slip ups at first but will become more obvious and concerning with time. - Personality Shifts
People with Alzheimer’s disease can go through drastic personality changes in a short period of time. As a result of the disease’s worsening symptoms, the individuals’ fear and anger can trigger mood swings and personality shifts.
This symptom most often occurs when the person is taken out of their routine and known, comfortable surroundings. When put into new environments or situations, their mood can drastically change; they may act confused, withdrawn, suspicious or fearful. - Challenges With Direction and Time
For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, details associated with time and space are frequently forgotten. They often lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. It also becomes increasingly hard to get a sense of direction.
A person with Alzheimer’s may get lost going home or not understand where they are, even when they’re in their own home. Or they may keep putting on a heavy winter coat although it’s a hot summer day.
In later stages, wandering becomes an issue for some Alzheimer’s patients. This is particularly dangerous if a patient wanders away from home unobserved or in the middle of the night and can’t make their way back. - Issues With Language
Sometimes, you feel tired or worn out and draw a blank when trying to communicate with others. There’s a word or phrase you want to say, but you just can’t remember it. However, eventually it comes to you.
For someone with Alzheimer’s disease, difficulties with language start to happen quite frequently. They’ll begin to describe things when they can’t find the word. For example, forgetting the name for a closet and saying “the small broom room.” When this is happening regularly, it can be a sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
They also may start to repeat themselves often. You’ll find they ask the same questions or bring up the same stories over and over. Eventually, this makes having a conversation challenging because the person with dementia can’t follow along. - Vision Problems
This early warning sign can be difficult to spot because many people experience worsening vision as they age. However, for some individuals, vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. There are differences between regular age-related vision loss and dementia-related vision problems. Most notably, they may start to trip, fall over more often or have issues with their balance. Additionally, determining color and contrast becomes harder, which can make driving dangerous. - Making Bad Decisions
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease often experience changes in decision-making or judgment. This can make them susceptible to fraudsters, and they may respond to phishing emails or donate money to obviously fake charities.
Impaired judgment can also cause them to stop taking care of themselves or performing other important duties. For example, they may drive around with a flat tire or ignore a serious medical problem and avoid making a doctor’s appointment. If your loved one is making poor decisions that aren’t in line with their personality, consider that Alzheimer’s or dementia may be the cause.
While these are the 10 most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not a complete list.
Additionally, many individuals experience only some of the symptoms on this list.
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one is displaying any of these signs, it’s essential to talk to a doctor immediately. Only a qualified health care professional, using multiple tests and assessments, can confirm an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. Early detection can make a big difference in how this disease impacts both the individual and their loved ones.
- Ignoring Personal Hygiene
If you notice that your loved one’s personal hygiene starts to decline, it’s likely a sign that they’re no longer able to care for their personal needs. This is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease in which simple tasks such as brushing teeth, bathing and putting on fresh clothing become difficult. This symptom may eventually get to the point an individual can’t bathe or use the toilet without assistance.
If you’re unable to supervise your loved one and ensure they’re taking proper care of their hygiene, it might be time for help. A caregiver can ensure your loved one’s personal hygiene needs are met. This can include making sure they’ve brushed their teeth and showered, taking them to hair and nail appointments, and helping them choose clean clothes every day. - Mistakes With Medications and Missed Doctor Appointments
Often, people who have Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia are older and have other medical issues. Many older Americans take several daily medications to manage chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, they often require frequent doctor appointments to check on these conditions.
An individual with Alzheimer’s may start to forget to take their medications and attend medical appointments. This can be detrimental to their health. In some cases, missing medications or accidentally taking too much can lead to accidental overdoses, serious medical complications and even hospitalizations.
If these issues have become a concern with your loved one, consider whether you have the time to monitor their medications and doctor visits. If the answer is no, it might be time for memory care. These medication mistakes can have life-threatening consequences, so it’s essential to act promptly. - Difficulty With Daily Routine
As dementia progresses, individuals become incapable of performing many daily tasks independently. This quite a broad statement but often comes with some typical warning signs, such as:
– Stacks of unpaid bills
– Mail that isn’t opened
– A dirty home
– Forgetting to grocery shop
– Forgetting to take out the garbage
– Inability to cook meals
– Failure to dress appropriately for the weather
These are just a few examples of your loved one being unable to keep up with necessary tasks, which may put their health or financial situation at risk. If you can’t take over these tasks, memory care may provide a solution. - Wandering
When an individual is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, they often take to wandering. This can be because your loved one gets confused about where they are, how they got there or how to get home.
Wandering can be very dangerous as the individual can get lost and struggle to find their way home. They can fall, get hurt, become dehydrated or be exposed to harsh weather in the winter or summer. A loved one might even wake up confused during the night and go off wandering.
If you notice that your loved one has started to wander frequently, you’ll need to monitor them closely. There are resources online that share tips for how families can reduce the risk of wandering in an Alzheimier’s patient. Memory care facilities can provide your loved one with a secure, monitored area to explore without fear they’ll get lost. - Shakiness and Fall Hazards
Advanced stages of Alzheimer’s can often cause an individual to become shaky and unsteady on their feet. This might start to cause them to fall frequently, which can increase their risk of severe injuries, hospital visits and even death.
When your loved one shows signs of unsteadiness, it’s time for memory care placement. They will be the safest in a memory care home where they have access to 24/7 supervision and medical staff on standby. - Signs of Depression and Social Isolation
People with dementia and Alzheimer’s often begin to isolate themselves socially. One of the reasons for this may be the embarrassment and difficulties that come with the disease. Often, following a conversation becomes difficult, which can make talking to people challenging and embarrassing.
Social isolation can also be a sign of depression. Other symptoms of depression include a loss of interest in hobbies, sudden changes in weight and increased fatigue. If your loved one is experiencing depression, it’s essential to take steps to help them. You can maintain regular contact with your loved one but also hire a caregiver to keep them company. Having a constant companion interacting on a social level is beneficial for their mental, emotional and physical well-being. A memory care facility can provide your loved one a group of people to interact with, as well as social activities throughout the day. - Unpleasant Personality Changes
Sundowner syndrome is a term for a common symptom that develops in the later stages of dementia where the person experiences emotional outbursts. These personality changes and outbursts typically occur as day transitions to evening. The person’s personality seems to shift, and they become easily angered, agitated, or suspicious.
These extreme personality changes and shifts in mood can be difficult for family caregivers to manage. Experienced medical professionals have the training to handle these outbursts. Additionally, they’re removed from your loved one, so they won’t take these incidents personally. - Extreme Memory Loss
Advanced dementia can result in severe memory loss. This can present itself in various ways, such as forgetting loved ones’ names, confusing family members and forgetting addresses.
When you notice these incidents are occurring more frequently, it’s time to evaluate the impact of what this means for your loved one. Severe memory loss can cause your loved one to forget how to use the phone in an emergency or be unable to realize that an emergency is occurring. Or, they may be more susceptible to scam artists.
As a result of the memory loss, they may now require constant monitoring so they don’t get lost. It also may become more challenging to hold a conversation with them. Professional memory care can help to reduce the risks associated with severe memory loss, so your loved one is protected. - Caregiver Stress
As an untrained caregiver of a loved one, you may come to a point where you’re completely overwhelmed. If you’re trying to balance work, life responsibilities and full-time caregiving, you can quickly become stressed.
Caregiver burnout is a valid condition. As dementia worsens, the caretaker is expected to take on more and more responsibility. This can be exhausting as a person attempts to take on full-time care in addition to their regular responsibilities. Additionally, many caregivers end up letting their own health go in an attempt to prioritize their loved one.
You shouldn’t feel guilty if you experience caregiver burnout. People are told to put oxygen masks on themselves if an airplane is in trouble before helping others. The same is true here. If you push yourself too hard, you won’t be able to care for yourself or your loved one. Seeking professional assistance can allow you to refocus on spending quality time with your loved one versus managing their care.
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, behaviors and cognitive abilities. It’s estimated that 5.8 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This form of dementia is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
Understanding the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial to the individual’s quality of life. An early diagnosis provides a better chance of benefiting from treatments. Additionally, identifying the disease early helps the patient prepare emotionally, mentally and physically for what’s to come. Multiple therapies and treatments are available that can work to slow the disease’s progress.
Here are the top 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Significant Memory Loss
It’s normal to forget small details every so often, only to have the information come back later. However, a person with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease may start to forget details more often or forget information they just learned.
A person with Alzheimer’s will start to display signs of memory loss by not being able to follow along in conversations, having difficulties remembering people (even loved ones) and forgetting important details such as their home address. In the beginning, individuals might try to fight this constant memory loss by using tactics to trigger their memory. For example, they may write down their home address in their mobile phone or leave sticky notes around the house to remind them of upcoming events.
If this seems to be happening more and more frequently, it’s time to see your doctor.
The difference between normal forgetfulness at this age and an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s is if the forgotten information eventually comes back to you. If you find that it doesn’t, it could be a sign of early Alzheimer’s. - Losing Items
While most people misplace things, a person with Alzheimer’s will often put them in an inappropriate location. For example, they might put their keys in the bathroom sink. Additionally, they’ll start to have trouble retracing their steps so they can find the item. They won’t be able to describe where they were or what they were doing before losing the item.
Eventually, this experience of constantly losing things can cause your loved one to become suspicious, and they may start to accuse others of stealing from them. - Social Isolation
A person with Alzheimer’s disease can start to notice their memory problems and become embarrassed, have difficulties following conversations and become suspicious of others. These problems can cause them to withdraw at work and in social settings, actions that typically worsen as the disease progresses.
Watch out for significant changes in your loved one’s social life. This can include avoiding their club meetings, seeming uninterested in work and losing their passion for hobbies. - Challenges With Planning and Problem-Solving
Some people with Alzheimer’s experience changes in their ability to plan and problem-solve. Concentrating becomes more of a challenge, and, as a result, it takes longer to do everything than it did before. One of the most prominent signs is finding it hard to work with numbers, for example, making mistakes on recipe measurements or bill payments. - Daily Tasks Become Impossible
People can often be distracted and forget to do something simple, like adding an item to their grocery list. However, someone with Alzheimer’s will begin to find performing regular tasks, such as grocery shopping itself, challenging. Routine day-to-day tasks that require critical thinking may become more challenging as the disease progresses. It can start with the most challenging tasks being impossible, such as creating a budget or planning a holiday dinner, to simple tasks like going to the grocery store becoming impossible.
You will notice that your loved one struggles with things that seem simple and obvious to you. They might also start to avoid these tasks altogether because they’ve become so challenging. For example, you may notice rotting food in the fridge because your loved one can’t make a grocery list or navigate the grocery store, or they’ve forgotten how to cook their usual meals. These symptoms might seem like casual slip ups at first but will become more obvious and concerning with time. - Personality Shifts
People with Alzheimer’s disease can go through drastic personality changes in a short period of time. As a result of the disease’s worsening symptoms, the individuals’ fear and anger can trigger mood swings and personality shifts.
This symptom most often occurs when the person is taken out of their routine and known, comfortable surroundings. When put into new environments or situations, their mood can drastically change; they may act confused, withdrawn, suspicious or fearful. - Challenges With Direction and Time
For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, details associated with time and space are frequently forgotten. They often lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. It also becomes increasingly hard to get a sense of direction.
A person with Alzheimer’s may get lost going home or not understand where they are, even when they’re in their own home. Or they may keep putting on a heavy winter coat although it’s a hot summer day.
In later stages, wandering becomes an issue for some Alzheimer’s patients. This is particularly dangerous if a patient wanders away from home unobserved or in the middle of the night and can’t make their way back. - Issues With Language
Sometimes, you feel tired or worn out and draw a blank when trying to communicate with others. There’s a word or phrase you want to say, but you just can’t remember it. However, eventually it comes to you.
For someone with Alzheimer’s disease, difficulties with language start to happen quite frequently. They’ll begin to describe things when they can’t find the word. For example, forgetting the name for a closet and saying “the small broom room.” When this is happening regularly, it can be a sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
They also may start to repeat themselves often. You’ll find they ask the same questions or bring up the same stories over and over. Eventually, this makes having a conversation challenging because the person with dementia can’t follow along. - Vision Problems
This early warning sign can be difficult to spot because many people experience worsening vision as they age. However, for some individuals, vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. There are differences between regular age-related vision loss and dementia-related vision problems. Most notably, they may start to trip, fall over more often or have issues with their balance. Additionally, determining color and contrast becomes harder, which can make driving dangerous. - Making Bad Decisions
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease often experience changes in decision-making or judgment. This can make them susceptible to fraudsters, and they may respond to phishing emails or donate money to obviously fake charities.
Impaired judgment can also cause them to stop taking care of themselves or performing other important duties. For example, they may drive around with a flat tire or ignore a serious medical problem and avoid making a doctor’s appointment. If your loved one is making poor decisions that aren’t in line with their personality, consider that Alzheimer’s or dementia may be the cause.
While these are the 10 most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not a complete list.
Additionally, many individuals experience only some of the symptoms on this list.
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one is displaying any of these signs, it’s essential to talk to a doctor immediately. Only a qualified health care professional, using multiple tests and assessments, can confirm an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. Early detection can make a big difference in how this disease impacts both the individual and their loved ones.
What is a memory care facility?
Memory care is a type of long-term care geared toward those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of progressive-degenerative dementia. People who require a higher level of support than what is offered in assisted living, or who have advanced dementia that makes it unsafe to remain at home, may find that memory care is their best long-term care option.
Is a memory care facility basically a nursing home?
While nursing homes provide 24/7 skilled nursing care, memory care facilities offer a safe, structured environment that’s specially designed to protect residents against wandering and self-harm. Memory care residents are generally free of any major health concerns aside from Alzheimer’s or dementia, but they can no longer safely live in their own homes.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that impacts a person’s memory, thinking and behavior. Over time, symptoms of the disease grow severe enough to interfere with daily life. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to almost 14 million.
How long can someone live with Alzheimer’s disease?
How quickly Alzheimer’s disease progresses varies for each person, but it can range from 4 to 20 years. On average, most individuals live for 4-8 years after their diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease is challenging both for the individual and their loved ones. Having an understanding of what’s to come can help everyone prepare themselves as much as possible. There are seven recognized stages of Alzheimer’s disease that clearly illustrate how a person progresses through the condition.
WHAT ARE THE 7 MAIN STAGES OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
Stage 1: No Impairment
When someone is in stage one, they have normal outward behavior and no symptoms that you can spot. No memory problems are happening. At this stage, the only thing that triggers an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is a PET scan — an imaging test that shows how the brain is working.
Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
In stage two, the individual starts to experience some very mild forgetfulness that’s common with the person’s age demographic. Incidents of memory loss or confusion are common in almost half the population of adults aged 65 and older. Loved ones may start to notice these small changes, but it’s often such a mild decline that a doctor won’t identify it as Alzheimer’s symptoms. The symptoms at this stage are dismissed as the normal cognitive decline that comes with aging.
At this stage, the person may start to notice that they:
– Can’t recall names as well as they could 5-10 years ago
– Can’t remember where they placed things earlier
– Have trouble concentrating
– Have difficulty finding the correct word when speaking
– Are unable to master new skills at work or at home
In stage two, the symptoms are not severe enough to impact an individual’s ability to work or live independently. If a person were to take a memory test at this stage, they would still perform well.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
In stage three, individuals start to experience increased forgetfulness, difficulty with focus and trouble concentrating. The disease symptoms are beginning to advance to the point that they may result in decreased work performance. Those who aren’t working may experience decreased performance with ordinary household tasks, such as paying bills and cleaning.
Some of the symptoms a person may exhibit in stage three are:
– Getting lost sometimes
– Struggling with finding the right words when communicating
– Forgetting something they just read
– Asking the same question repeatedly
– Finding it challenging to make plans or organize
– Inability to remember names when meeting new people
– Losing items frequently, including valuables
By this stage, the symptoms are significant enough that the person’s family members notice them. Loved ones may choose to step in to assist at this point. This can include making appointments for a loved one, paying their bills or suggesting they start considering retirement.
In stage three, performance on a memory test would be affected, and a physician may detect impaired cognitive function.
The average duration of stage three is approximately 7 years before the onset of dementia.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
In the first three stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the individual isn’t considered to have dementia yet. However, by stage four, the individual is categorized as having early-stage dementia.
At this stage, all previous symptoms become more severe. The individual experiences increased forgetfulness even with recent events, has difficulty with concentration and problem-solving. Complex tasks, organizing and expressing thoughts all become challenging. However, the person can usually still remember some things, such as their home address.
A person experiencing the symptoms of stage four may:
– Struggle with putting the right date or amount on a check when paying bills
– Forget the current month or season
– Struggle with traveling to unfamiliar areas alone
– Have difficulty cooking or even ordering off of a menu
– Have trouble with simple arithmetic
– Develop issues with short-term memory, such as difficulty remembering what they had for their last meal
– Forget details about their life history
Often in stage four, the individual may be in denial about their symptoms. They may unconsciously start to withdraw from conversations and avoid tasks they find challenging so they can stay in denial longer, and as socialization becomes more difficult, the person may even begin to intentionally withdraw from friends and family. “Emotional flattening,” where the person seems uninterested and emotionally unavailable, may begin at this point.
At this stage, a medical professional could quickly identify a cognitive decline during an interview with the person. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be made with considerable accuracy at this stage.
Loved ones are encouraged to start to take more control by stage four by encouraging the individual to stop driving, taking control of their finances, and making frequent check-ins. The individual may be able to still live independently at home or in a community-like setting, but loved ones should make regular visits and provide frequent assistance.
The average duration of stage four is approximately 2 years.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
Stage five marks the beginning of moderate dementia. Memory deficiencies are now becoming severe, and people often require assistance with daily living activities. An individual may start to need help with dressing and preparing meals. Some loved ones may choose to limit their assistance so that the individual still feels some degree of independence.
For example, a loved one may lay out the individual’s clothes for the day, but allow them to dress independently.
If the individual was previously living independently at home, this would have to change. At this stage, the person requires monitoring and can no longer live alone. If a person in stage five doesn’t get the support they need from loved ones or hired help, they often develop behavioral problems such as anger and suspiciousness.
Some of the common symptoms in stage five are:
– Forgetting important information, such as a home address and phone number
– Difficulty identifying where they are or what time of day it is
– Forgetting significant life details, such as where they went to school
– Inability to remember significant current-day information, such as the name of the President
– Confusion about picking appropriate types of clothing for the season
– Repeating the same question
– Difficulty with simple arithmetic, such as counting down from 20 by twos
– Wearing the same clothes every day unless they’re reminded to change
While individuals require some assistance and frequent monitoring in stage five, they still retain some functionality.
They may be able to go to the bathroom and shower or bathe independently.
Often in stage five, the person may remember specific details — like their home address — one day and then forget it the next. The individual may have difficulty remembering sometimes, but they can still tell stories and have some conversations. Encourage them to use their imagination and ask them to tell stories.
Stage five typically lasts 1.5 years.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
Stage six is also sometimes referred to as “middle dementia.” At this stage, an individual needs substantial assistance to carry out simple day-to-day activities, and completing tasks becomes much more difficult.
Additionally, stage six is the start of significant personality changes. The person may start to suffer from anxiety, agitation and delusions. For example, they may think they have to get ready for work, even if they haven’t held a job for several years.
Some of the common symptoms in stage six are:
– Difficulty remembering recent events
– Remembering faces but forgetting the names of close family members and friends
– Confusing individuals, such as thinking their wife is their mother
– Retaining little memory of their earlier lives
– Difficulty with cognitive skills, such as counting backward from 10
– Incontinence of the bowel or bladder
– Diminished speaking ability
– Problems putting on clothes properly
– Requiring help with bathing and maintaining personal hygiene
– Tendency to wander if left unsupervised
On average, stage six lasts 2.5 years.
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
The seventh and final stage of Alzheimer’s is known as late-stage dementia. At this stage, the individual has lost their ability to speak or communicate. They require assistance with almost all daily activities, including bathing, dressing, toileting and eating. The individual also needs around-the-clock supervision. They often have to be given soft food that’s easy to swallow and be reminded to drink water.
People in stage seven often lose their psychomotor capabilities and may be unable to walk or require significant assistance to do so.
This stage lasts an average of 2.5 years.
- Ignoring Personal Hygiene
If you notice that your loved one’s personal hygiene starts to decline, it’s likely a sign that they’re no longer able to care for their personal needs. This is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease in which simple tasks such as brushing teeth, bathing and putting on fresh clothing become difficult. This symptom may eventually get to the point an individual can’t bathe or use the toilet without assistance.
If you’re unable to supervise your loved one and ensure they’re taking proper care of their hygiene, it might be time for help. A caregiver can ensure your loved one’s personal hygiene needs are met. This can include making sure they’ve brushed their teeth and showered, taking them to hair and nail appointments, and helping them choose clean clothes every day. - Mistakes With Medications and Missed Doctor Appointments
Often, people who have Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia are older and have other medical issues. Many older Americans take several daily medications to manage chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, they often require frequent doctor appointments to check on these conditions.
An individual with Alzheimer’s may start to forget to take their medications and attend medical appointments. This can be detrimental to their health. In some cases, missing medications or accidentally taking too much can lead to accidental overdoses, serious medical complications and even hospitalizations.
If these issues have become a concern with your loved one, consider whether you have the time to monitor their medications and doctor visits. If the answer is no, it might be time for memory care. These medication mistakes can have life-threatening consequences, so it’s essential to act promptly. - Difficulty With Daily Routine
As dementia progresses, individuals become incapable of performing many daily tasks independently. This quite a broad statement but often comes with some typical warning signs, such as:
– Stacks of unpaid bills
– Mail that isn’t opened
– A dirty home
– Forgetting to grocery shop
– Forgetting to take out the garbage
– Inability to cook meals
– Failure to dress appropriately for the weather
These are just a few examples of your loved one being unable to keep up with necessary tasks, which may put their health or financial situation at risk. If you can’t take over these tasks, memory care may provide a solution. - Wandering
When an individual is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, they often take to wandering. This can be because your loved one gets confused about where they are, how they got there or how to get home.
Wandering can be very dangerous as the individual can get lost and struggle to find their way home. They can fall, get hurt, become dehydrated or be exposed to harsh weather in the winter or summer. A loved one might even wake up confused during the night and go off wandering.
If you notice that your loved one has started to wander frequently, you’ll need to monitor them closely. There are resources online that share tips for how families can reduce the risk of wandering in an Alzheimier’s patient. Memory care facilities can provide your loved one with a secure, monitored area to explore without fear they’ll get lost. - Shakiness and Fall Hazards
Advanced stages of Alzheimer’s can often cause an individual to become shaky and unsteady on their feet. This might start to cause them to fall frequently, which can increase their risk of severe injuries, hospital visits and even death.
When your loved one shows signs of unsteadiness, it’s time for memory care placement. They will be the safest in a memory care home where they have access to 24/7 supervision and medical staff on standby. - Signs of Depression and Social Isolation
People with dementia and Alzheimer’s often begin to isolate themselves socially. One of the reasons for this may be the embarrassment and difficulties that come with the disease. Often, following a conversation becomes difficult, which can make talking to people challenging and embarrassing.
Social isolation can also be a sign of depression. Other symptoms of depression include a loss of interest in hobbies, sudden changes in weight and increased fatigue. If your loved one is experiencing depression, it’s essential to take steps to help them. You can maintain regular contact with your loved one but also hire a caregiver to keep them company. Having a constant companion interacting on a social level is beneficial for their mental, emotional and physical well-being. A memory care facility can provide your loved one a group of people to interact with, as well as social activities throughout the day. - Unpleasant Personality Changes
Sundowner syndrome is a term for a common symptom that develops in the later stages of dementia where the person experiences emotional outbursts. These personality changes and outbursts typically occur as day transitions to evening. The person’s personality seems to shift, and they become easily angered, agitated, or suspicious.
These extreme personality changes and shifts in mood can be difficult for family caregivers to manage. Experienced medical professionals have the training to handle these outbursts. Additionally, they’re removed from your loved one, so they won’t take these incidents personally. - Extreme Memory Loss
Advanced dementia can result in severe memory loss. This can present itself in various ways, such as forgetting loved ones’ names, confusing family members and forgetting addresses.
When you notice these incidents are occurring more frequently, it’s time to evaluate the impact of what this means for your loved one. Severe memory loss can cause your loved one to forget how to use the phone in an emergency or be unable to realize that an emergency is occurring. Or, they may be more susceptible to scam artists.
As a result of the memory loss, they may now require constant monitoring so they don’t get lost. It also may become more challenging to hold a conversation with them. Professional memory care can help to reduce the risks associated with severe memory loss, so your loved one is protected. - Caregiver Stress
As an untrained caregiver of a loved one, you may come to a point where you’re completely overwhelmed. If you’re trying to balance work, life responsibilities and full-time caregiving, you can quickly become stressed.
Caregiver burnout is a valid condition. As dementia worsens, the caretaker is expected to take on more and more responsibility. This can be exhausting as a person attempts to take on full-time care in addition to their regular responsibilities. Additionally, many caregivers end up letting their own health go in an attempt to prioritize their loved one.
You shouldn’t feel guilty if you experience caregiver burnout. People are told to put oxygen masks on themselves if an airplane is in trouble before helping others. The same is true here. If you push yourself too hard, you won’t be able to care for yourself or your loved one. Seeking professional assistance can allow you to refocus on spending quality time with your loved one versus managing their care.
