It starts small: losing keys, forgetting to brush their teeth, or calling someone by someone else’s name on accident. When these things get worse, it can be absolutely devastating for the patient and the family. 1 in 5 people over 65 and 1 in 2 people over 85 experience symptoms of memory loss. Luckily, there are plenty of things to assist with this problem. When you or your loved one needs memory care, try these four tips to help keep their memory as good as possible.
- Know the difference between regular and abnormal memory problems
Unfortunately, as we get older, some memory loss is normal. There are several types of memory, and certain types of memory will disintegrate a little bit naturally. Episodic memory in particular will typically get worse with time. This type of memory includes things like “why did I come into this room again?”. People with healthy memory experience these memory deficiencies. It just gets worse with age. Same with long-term memory and multi-tasking. However, this is normal. There isn’t really need for alarm until someone who needs senior care starts to forget basic concepts, such as what a clock does or how to use the stove. The latter is particularly alarming, and when you start to notice these things, it’s time to get help.
- Socialize
One way to keep someone’s mind active is to have them around people. When they are a round people, they are forced to use their memory skills to communicate properly. It keeps their minds more active than if they were sitting at home by themselves. One of the great advantages of senior care facilities is that there are plenty of other people for residents to spend time and preform activities with. The residents can also find common ground together and learn things from each other. Plus, they can play games together which also increases brain activity and memory.
- Maintain a regular routine
When we’re younger, routine can feel confining. When we get older, routine becomes comforting. It also helps people with memory problems to remember things that they might forget otherwise. Eating breakfast, taking medication, and bathing at regular times helps people remember to do these things. Alarms can help. Furthermore, senior care facilities assist by having meals at regular times and nurses to help administer any medication. Forgetting to eat, bath, and take medicine can severely lower a person’s quality of life. The routine keeps this lifestyle positive. Keeping a calendar also helps with maintain a schedule and remembering appointments.
- Exercise regularly
The mind and body are connected. When you keep your body moving, your brain will be moving, too. Many people who need memory care benefit from going to regular exercise classes. Many complexes even offer exercise with a trainer a couple of times a week. If not, a walk around the block every day or every other day can be just the thing that you need to keep your body and your mind active.
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