The signs were quite apparent for a while. Your mother was exhibiting memory loss, but it wasn’t really impacting daily life, not at first. Lately, though, things have certainly changed and you were concerned about her. It might’ve taken some convincing, but she finally visited her doctor and was diagnosed with Alzheimers.
Firm, obstinate, and possibly even stubborn in your best estimation, your mother assumes she can handle the situation without any help. She still manages to take care of herself, cook her own meals, clean the house, and run a few errands, but she isnt grasping the severity of this diagnosis.
What she might expect in the coming months and years.
When a person is diagnosed in most cases, they will likely have been exhibiting the earliest signs and symptoms of memory loss for at least a year, possibly even two or more. This type of memory loss is more than senility or being overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. It involves struggles keeping track of conversations, missing appointments, not remembering birthdays, and so forth.
Most of these things can be covered and dealt with using reminders and even modern technology through devices, but those signs and symptoms of Alzheimers disease will progress. The challenges will become much more significant and potentially dangerous.
She may have trouble just remembering what she was doing before she stepped out of her room. Imagine her cooking something on the stove, stepping away to use the bathroom, and then completely forgetting all about that meal. She could wander into the living room, down to her bedroom to lie down and take a nap, and suddenly theres a significant fire risk.
She needs an honest assessment of what will happen.
Many people move through various stages of grief and denial is one of them. If your mother seems to be dismissive of help, including home care services, it might have a lot less to do with cost than denial.
If she is still in denial, she might not understand the severity of this disease, how it will progress, and how much it might affect her physical capability, mental awareness, and safety. Allow her this time to work through this new diagnosis.
Try not to force the issue, but rather encourage her with positive support and listen to what she says. If you’re concerned about her safety immediately, be firm and use specific examples of why you are worried. The more specific you are about instances you’ve observed and risk factors, the more likely she is to pay attention.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Brooklyn Park, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
