Looking for a Living Space for Your Loved One After Rehab?

How can people with dementia benefit from memory care in Lincolnwood? The prevalence of this cognitive impairment has seen a sharp rise in numbers over the years. By 2050, it is expected to soar to more than 130 million.

According to the National Institute on Aging, dementia is defined as the loss of cognitive functioning. This impairment dramatically affects a person’s ability to think, reason, and remember to the point where it interferes with their quality of life.

People with dementia may experience personality changes and may have a difficult time controlling their emotions. As it continues to progress, the patient may be compelled to rely on other people to assist them with activities of daily living.

Dementia: What’s Life Like?

Understanding Dementia  

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an umbrella term used to describe people who have a hard time remembering, thinking, and making decisions for themselves. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Although it often affects the elderly, it's important to know that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Not everyone goes through it.  

Normal aging may include the following:  

• Weakening of bones and muscles ‍
• Stiffening of vessels and arteries
• Age-related memory changes include struggling to find the right words but often remembering them later, misplacing keys, forgetting the names of acquaintances, and failing to recall recent events.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia?

The symptoms of dementia vary from person to person. Generally, people with dementia experience problems with the following:

• Communication
• Memory loss
• Reasoning
• Poor judgment
• Problem-solving
• Visual perception
• Acting on impulse
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking and understanding
• Problems expressing thoughts
• Repeating questions
• Trouble managing money
• Hallucinating
• Not caring about the feelings of other people
• Losing interest in usual activities

People are suspected of having dementia if they exhibit the following signs:

• Failing to complete tasks without assistance
• Not able to recall old memories
• Getting lost in your neighborhood
• Forgetting names of family members and close friends
• Using odd words to call familiar objects

What Increases a Person’s Risk for Dementia?

Several factors predispose your loved ones to dementia.

• Age – Dementia typically affects people older than 65 years old.
• Family History – People who have siblings or parents with dementia are at risk of developing the condition themselves.
• Race – Research shows that African Americans are twice as likely to develop dementia.
• Poor Heart Health – Hypertensive People, smokers, and those who have high cholesterol levels are vulnerable to dementia
• Brain Injury – Injuries to the head can increase your risk of dementia

How Can Dementia Affect a Person’s Life?

Can dementia negatively affect a person’s life? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. As the disease advances, dementia patients will find it hard to complete even the simplest tasks like bathing, eating, and dressing. Their needs will depend on the stage of the disease.

This degenerative disease condition obstructs messages that are being sent to the brain. These messages are essential to enable a person to perform daily tasks.  

#1 Executive Functioning

Executive functioning comprises certain mental skills, including self-control, flexible thinking, and working memory. These skills are being used daily. When you have problems with executive functioning, like in the case of dementia, a person will find it hard to control emotions, follow directions, and have difficulty focusing.

When the brain’s normal functioning is impeded, it will compromise a person’s ability to plan, sequence, and organize actions.  

#2 Memory

The most notorious symptom of dementia is short-term and long-term memory loss. During the early stages of the disease, a person may forget how to make coffee and sometimes forget how to dress. Over time, their forgetfulness worsens to the point that even the simplest activity like putting on clothes becomes impossible without assistance. Having a caregiver to provide assistance and support will help preserve their independence as much as possible.

#3 Judgment, Decision Making and Focus

Since signals to the brain are impeded, a person with dementia may experience poor judgment, lack of focus, and poor decision-making skills. Dementia patients may turn on the heater in the middle of summer or go out at midnight to shop. The lack of judgment can put patients in danger as well as the people around them. Professional caregivers can keep patients safe by helping them make rational decisions while allowing them to practice independence.

Can Rehab Help Patients with Dementia?

The WHO describes the term rehabilitation as a holistic approach that aims to reduce a patient’s disability and improve function. The organization emphasizes that rehabilitation is important not just for those recovering from an illness or injury but for people with declining function due to aging.

Patients with dementia can benefit from rehab since they are provided with a wide range of therapies and interventions that aim to improve their quality of life.

Why Is Memory Care a Good Option?

After rehab, you may want to consider taking your loved one to a memory care facility. There is no cure for dementia. One moment they may be fine, and the next, they’re not. People with cognitive impairment should be guided and monitored for their safety.

A memory care community is much like an assisted living facility, but it is ideal for dementia patients because its activities are designed for patients with memory-related disorders.  

Memory care communities aim to provide a safe environment for your loved ones where they get assistance and support in their daily activities.  

Are You Interested in Memory Care in Lincolnwood?

At Senior Living Experts, our expert advisor will gather all relevant information needed so you can find the perfect place for your loved ones with their needs, location, and budget in mind.

Once we know their needs, we’ll use our resources and find the best options for them. We will accompany you on tours because we want nothing but the best for your loved ones. If you have any more questions about memory care, assisted living, or dementia, please give us a call, as we are always happy to answer them for you. Are you interested in finding the perfect home for your loved one? Contact us today.