Four Signs Your Senior’s Memory Issues Might Be a Problem

​Homecare Wilmette IL - Four Signs Your Senior’s Memory Issues Might Be a Problem

Memory concerns are a big deal for your senior because they can hinder her ability to do a variety of things. They can also be creating big safety issues for her. 

Her Fridge and Freezer Are Full of Bad Food 

Food inevitably goes bad. If your senior is keeping up with that fact, though, she’s going through her pantry, her fridge, and her freezer regularly and cycling through the food that has spoiled or is about to spoil. Memory issues make that task infinitely more difficult for your senior. She may forget to do this at all or she might forget that food does spoil. Regardless, food that is not good any longer is a significant health risk for her. 

She’s Missing Appointments More Often 

Appointments can be another red flag, especially if your elderly family member has always been a stickler for being prompt. Even with all the right tools, like a calendar or a digital app that sends her reminders, your elderly family member’s memory might keep her from getting to all of her appointments. This is especially a problem when it comes to medical appointments that she needs to get to regularly. 

She’s Hiding or Ignoring Mail 

Your senior might not like what’s in her mail, especially if she’s finding a lot of bills or mail that makes her feel uncomfortable. A big cause for this is that memory problems can make her feel anxious or as if she’s not able to do what she needs to do with the mail. Best-case scenarios usually involve her leaving unopened mail in a pile out in the open. But in a worst-case situation, she might be hiding her mail. 

Prescriptions Aren’t Being Filled Regularly 

Your senior might rely on some very important prescriptions, but if she’s not keeping up with getting them filled, that’s a problem. She can’t take the medications regularly if they’re not there for her, regardless of whether she remembers them or not. Automatic refills can be an option here, but it’s a good idea to have a fail-safe notification system set up so you’re aware, too. 

If your senior is having significant memory issues, talk with her doctor. It might also be a good idea to hire homecare providers who can take care of some of the situations she’s not able to manage on her own. This is an especially important step if you’re not able to step in for your senior yourself. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Wilmette IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

---