Memory Support for Seniors with Cognitive Changes

When your adult loved one begins to show signs of memory loss, you, as the caregiver, need to make adjustments to their living situation, whether they are living with you or independently. Many older adults begin to show signs of dementia, which is a blanket term for cognitive changes and memory loss.

Being a caregiver to someone with dementia can feel overwhelming, and St. Elizabeth's Adult Day Care Center offers dementia support for adults during the day. We offer memory care programs, nutritious meals, health monitoring, transportation services, and structured programs for dementia care.

For the times when your loved one is at home, this guide we offer has tips on ways you can create a safe home environment for loved ones with memory loss and dementia, helping give you peace of mind.

Understanding Early Signs of Cognitive Changes in Seniors

While not every elderly person will have dementia, it's important to be aware of cognitive changes early so you can plan on making changes to their home. You can also make arrangements for home health care or enrollment in St. Elizabeth's Adult Day Care Center in the St. Louis, Missouri, area while you're at work, school, taking care of the children, or running errands. Early signs of cognitive changes include:

• Short-term memory loss

• Forgetting common words

• Losing multitasking capabilities

• Repeating phrases

• Noticeable changes in their personality

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Disorientation to time and place

• Difficulty understanding money

• Losing track of everyday items

• Experiencing hallucinations

  
  

If you notice these changes in your loved one, consult with their doctor for an assessment, and begin implementing the following to help with memory/dementia support.

Creating Consistent Daily Routines for Memory Support

Memory care tips include creating structured daily routines. Those with memory loss or dementia may feel reduced stress and anxiety with daily routines. One of the keys to devising a plan for their routines is to understand their likes and dislikes and how the person previously went about their day. Daily plans include:

• Meal times

• Bath and hygiene routines

• Taking medications

• Activities like a daily walk

• Creative or artistic activities

• Mind-stimulating activities

• Social times

• Light household chores

• Outdoor activities

• Recreational outings

  
  

While some activities like socializing or recreational outings may be spontaneous, try to keep the same routine for all other day-to-day tasks. At St. Elizabeth's Adult Day Care Center, we work with our participants' schedules to try to keep them as consistent with their at-home schedules as possible.

Using Visual Reminders and Organization Systems

As adults with dementia need help with routines, consider using visual reminders. You can write their schedules on a large whiteboard using different colored pens for each task. Placing a photo of their medicine or the food they may need to eat. When organizing visual cues, be clear and precise.

If using a large calendar for their routine, choose different colors for each reminder, as those with cognitive decline respond to color visual clues. In addition, you can strategically place large print notes around the house. Use photos or drawings of the task, such as "Brush Your Teeth" with a picture of someone performing the task. If you are tech-savvy, you can also use digital technology to help with reminders. Whichever method of reminders you use, be sure to be consistent.

Gentle Communication Strategies for Cognitive Support

Communication is the way people express themselves. Adults with dementia often lose the ability to communicate effectively, which can be frustrating for them and their caregiver. Those with dementia or memory loss may deny they have the disease or memory loss. In this case, don't argue with them or keep reminding them that they have dementia. Instead, try to redirect the conversation and change the wording.

Avoid repeating yourself or responding angrily, as that will only confuse the person more. Other forms of communication or redirection include playing music, looking at memory books, and gentle touches to the shoulder. Have familiar food for them that may help change the focus of a person with memory loss.

Engaging Seniors in Familiar Activities and Memory Exercises

One of the reasons residents of the St. Louis, Missouri, area enjoy St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care Center is the services offered, including recreational activities and memory exercises.

These types of activities help create social connections, stimulate memories, and increase cognitive functions. Crossword puzzles, board games, and card games are fun for most adults with memory loss. Learning to play a simple musical instrument, engaging in arts and crafts, chair yoga, Tai Chi, and watching live music and performances will all help stimulate cognitive functions.

Safe Medication Management and Health Monitoring

Adults with memory loss need to have their medication managed. Keys to medical management are consistency. Meds need to be taken at the right time, correctly, and managed for other drug interactions. Organizing the medications will help the person with management. You can color-code the bottles per the medication or the time to take the medication, and label the bottles clearly so anyone can see what the medication is and when and how to take it. Monitor prescription refills and keep the bottles or clearly-marked organizers full as needed. Keep up on doctor visits for health monitoring.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Home Environment

If needed, build ramps, install hand and grab rails, and keep pathways free from clutter and slippery rugs. In addition, consider installing cameras and door alarms to help prevent wandering. Consider hiring a professional who can help you with tips on making your home safe for adults with disabilities or cognitive decline.

Being a caregiver is a big job that requires enormous amounts of patience. Consider joining a dementia support group, working with a counselor who specializes in dementia care, and finding an adult day care center with professionals who specialize in memory care.

Finding Professional Memory Support When You Need Help

When you need compassionate daytime assisted memory care for your loved one, contact St. Elizabeth's Adult Day Care Center. Our locations include the St. Louis Center, the Ste. Genevieve Center, Arnold Center, and Florissant Center, all in Mo. Contact us to find out more about our memory care and other adult day care services for your loved one.

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