Worried About Memory Loss? Find Expert Dementia Care in Wilmington, NC.

Worried About Memory Loss? Find Expert Dementia Care in Wilmington, NC.

Mar 20, 2024

Are you concerned about memory loss and how it will impact you or your loved ones ability to remain at home?


In this article we will share the info you need to understand memory loss, and how to safely Age in Place in Wilmington, NC.



If you're concerned about memory loss in Wilmington, NC, you're not alone. This article aims to provide guidance and support, offering valuable insights into dementia care and empowering you to make informed decisions.


As a senior care professional who has worked with hundreds of families whose seniors needed help to remain happy and healthy in their homes I've witnessed first hand the anxieties and challenges families face when navigating memory loss.


Unlike other disease related symptoms that we can see the physical signs of, memory related issues are harder to understand and some times more difficult to accept.


If some one was confined to a wheel chair we wouldn't expect them to get up and run a marathon. But when someone experiences memory loss, or dementia it is not unusual for family members to expect that their loved one remember accurately. Well meaning family members will often correct their loved one, and it can be difficult see someone who was once our provider in decline.


This can lead to our seniors to struggle with their loss of independence and make getting a little help more difficult.



Understanding the Spectrum of Memory Loss


It's important to remember that memory loss isn't the same as dementia.


Dementia is a group of conditions that encompasses at least two brain functions such as judgment and memory loss.


Memory loss exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of severity affecting individuals differently. we all misplace our keys from time to time, and we can all be a little absent minded. Have you ever walked into a room and wondered what was I coming here for?


This is normal and not in and of itself alarming. It is when things become a little threating and present difficulties with our lives that we need to take note.



Early Signs and Symptoms:


It is really a good idea to be concerned when you notice subtle changes like forgetfulness, difficulty following conversations, misplaced items, and challenges with familiar tasks. You should bring it to the attention of your trusted medical advisor.


Its when our loved ones begin to forget how things work, like telling time for instance that things become critical and extremely alarming. When someone forgets the rules of a game they have played for years, or how systems work, or where they are or what year it is that living alone can be dangerous.


Early detection is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes and successful plans of care can be created and implemented to age in place successfully.


The Importance of Early Intervention: Having momentary lapses or making occasional errors that are age related are not necessarily alarming. However memory loss that disrupts daily life is when you really need to seek help.


Symptoms of memory loss concerns include:


  • 1) Struggling to follow conversations
  • 2) Having trouble with familiar tasks
  • 3) Experiencing mood swings or confusion


Common Types of Dementia:


Familiarize yourself with prevalent forms of dementia: Each has unique characteristics and progression patterns. Disclaimer, we are providing this information as a courtesy, it is not meant to be used to be used for diagnosis purposes. For more information speak to your medical providers.


1) Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that overtime slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.


2) Vascular dementia – around five years. This is lower than the average for Alzheimer's mostly because someone with vascular dementia is more likely to die from a stroke or heart attack than from the dementia itself.


3) Lewy body dementia (LBD) is when abnormal deposits of the alpha-synuclein protein accumulates and forms deposits in the brain. These deposits are called Lewy bodies and they affect mood, behavior issues with reasoning, movement and hallucinations.


4) Frontotemporal disorders (FTD), also called frontotemporal dementia, results when damage to neurons has taken place in the frontal lobes of the brain. Symptoms may including unusual behaviors, emotional problems, trouble communicating, difficulty with work, or difficulty with walking


Expert Dementia Care in Wilmington


In-Home Care: Age in Place Home Care Services


Age in Place Home Care Services offers personalized care in the comfort of seniors homes right here in Wilmington. Professionally trained expert caregivers help provide familiarity, security, and individualized attention.


Each has unique characteristics and progression patterns.



Creating the Perfect Dementia Plan of Care:


A proper plan of care involves careful consideration of several factors:


Stage of Dementia: Different stages require varying levels of support and intervention.


Individual Needs and Preferences: Consider your loved one's personality, interests, and comfort level with different levels of care.


Family Involvement and Support: Assess your family's ability to provide care and the level of support you require from the chosen provider.


Financial Considerations: Research costs associated with different care options and explore potential financial assistance programs.


Quality of Life: Factoring quality of life for the patient and their family is vital. Very often it is healthier for a loving wife, or child to remain in those roles while professional caregivers pick up the heavy loads of caregiving that improve quality of life for every one involved.


Additional Resources and Support in Wilmington


Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Wilmington offers a wealth of resources and support groups to help you navigate dementia care:


Alzheimer's Association of North Carolina Central and Coastal Chapter: Provides support groups, educational programs, and care consultations.

New Hanover County Senior Services: Offers various services, including transportation assistance, meal delivery, and social activities for seniors.

Wilmington Family YMCA: Provides specialized programs for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Age in Place Home Care Services: Provides companionship and hands on care. The staff are experts at supporting seniors with memory and dementia related issues.


For a free consultation or home safety inspection or answers on expert senior care in Wilmington, NC call Age in Place Home Care Services (910) 386-4511