what you need to know when hiring home health care

Illnesses and medical conditions that affect memory are far too common with the elderly. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the fact that many of these conditions can be treated and controlled if detected early. If you have an aging loved one, it is important that you be able to recognize some of the overlooked signs of memory loss so that you can act early and get your loved one the care they need.

Social Withdrawal

Pay attention if you detect a significant swing in your loved one's social behaviors. For example, if your loved one had a long-standing social calendar and they suddenly stop coming around, it may be cause for concern. This behavior is especially concerning if they do not even mention why they were absent. With memory loss, it could simply be that they forgot about the event. 

Change in Personal Care

Memory loss can also target how a person cares for him or herself. Often, elderly people in this category will stop taking care of their basic hygiene needs, such as bathing. Some people will also fail to follow a nutrient-rich diet, resulting in weight loss. You know your loved one best, so if you notice any change in their care, pay attention to this warning sign.

Frequent Mood Swings

Medical conditions that target the brain can also cause the individual to experience mood swings. For instance, your loved one might be happy one moment, and then, without warning get upset. While some of this behavior is a direct symptom of the condition, this cycling of moods is sometimes a result of your loved one being aware of their lack of memory or forgetfulness, which can bring about anger or even depression in some people.  

Help at Home

If you detect any of these signs, it is important that you act fast. Not only should you reach out to a medical professional, but you should also consider the idea of in-home care. With this service, a caring professional will stay with your loved one to ensure that their daily needs are met and that they are safe, and they even provide a certain level of social interaction with your loved one.

Remember, it is important to keep your eyes open so that you can detect these signs early. The sooner you act, the faster you can organize a team of care professionals to keep your loved one safe.