Discussing Memory Loss and Elder Care with Your Loved One

By James Bennett | December 20, 2021 |

Are you starting to worry about your elderly loved one’s memory? Maybe, they recently started calling you by another person’s name? They may be forgetting to go to their doctor’s appointments. There are many things that senior citizens often forget. Sometimes, it is due to aging and other times it is caused by dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions. Either way, it may be helpful for you to discuss memory loss with your elderly loved one. However, before you do this, there are some tips for having this discussion that you may want to know about and how elder care providers can step in..

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Elder Care Boiling Springs SC – Discussing Memory Loss and Elder Care with Your Loved One

Your elderly loved one may already be aware they are losing their memory. This can be extremely difficult on them. They don’t need someone coming in and telling them they have to receive help. Even if they do need help, it would be best to approach it in a more understanding and calm manner. If your elderly loved one knows that you aren’t trying to take over everything and that you only want to help, they may be more willing to accept that you and elder care providers need to help with some things.

Don’t Take Over Everything

Just because your elderly loved one is experiencing some memory issues, that doesn’t mean they can’t do anything by themselves. For example, if your elderly loved one forgot to go to one of their doctor’s appointments, that doesn’t mean they will never remember another appointment. You or an elder care provider may need to help out. You could give them a reminder call, start driving them instead of having your loved one take a cab, or put automated alerts in their cell phone.

Be Honest

If your elderly loved one has moderate to severe memory loss, it is vital that you are open and honest with them. They may not be aware of how bad things are and pretending it isn’t happening won’t help them. In fact, that could make things a lot worse for your elderly loved one. If you are honest and let your elderly loved one know what is happening and what type of help they need to get, it can make things better for everyone involved.

Having This Discussion and Getting Elder Care Involved Helps

These are some of the tips that can help you to discuss memory loss with your elderly loved one. Now that you have these tips, hopefully, you can go to your elderly loved one with a calmer state of mind. By doing that, the conversation will likely go smoother.

Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/noticing-memory-problems-what-do-next

**If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care Services in Boiling Springs SC, please contact the caring staff at Upstate Home Care Solutions today. Call (864) 527-0455.**

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James Bennett

Owner at Upsate Home Care Solutions

James Bennett is a native of Taylors, SC. A graduate of Riverside High School, he attended Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Packing Science. Upon graduation, he commenced on a career path in food manufacturing with Nestle Frozen Foods (1999 – 2008) and Country Fresh, Inc. (2008 – 2011). When James was only 12, his father, at the age of 37, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).With both an ailing father and a grandmother suffering from several medical conditions, James Bennett and his family were able to unify and provide their loved ones with the home care they needed. Their family structure and consistent schedule were key aspects in providing care. Unfortunately, not all families have the structure, resources, or flexibility to provide the home care their loved one desires. James understands the difficulties families and caregivers encounter while providing and caring for loved ones. A loving son, husband, and father who understands the need to help families, James created Upstate Home Health Care Solutions, LLC in 2011 to fill in the gap for families who need caring individuals to assist with a loved one’s home care needs.

• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business of the Year 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) Program participant 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce MBA Excellence Award Recipient 2017
• Featured on the cover Upstate Business Journal June 2016
• Community Works Economic Impact Award 2016
• Board Member of Ten at the Top (TATT) and Fire Pit Ranch (FPR)
• Member of Upstate Senior Network, Greenville & Spartanburg Chapters
• Member of the Healthcare division of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Better Business Bureau
• Staff member of Palmetto Boys State sponsored by the American Legion
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.