What Are Some Possible Risks of Failing to Treat Dementia Quickly?

By 9  am on

Some Possible Risks of Failing to Treat Dementia Quickly in Tampa Bay, FL

Early diagnosis of dementia is vital when it comes to getting medical treatment and developing a sound care plan. Families can plan to ensure their elderly loved ones have the best doctors, adequate living arrangements, and healthy at-home routines. However, failing to receive prompt treatment could cause the condition to progress rapidly and damage your loved one’s quality of life. Take a look at what could happen if dementia goes untreated and ways family caregivers can mitigate those risks.

Safety Issues Caused by Memory Problems

Forgetting to turn off the oven, leaving a door open or unlocked, or misplacing his or her wallet are all safety risks your loved one can encounter when dementia isn’t treated promptly. Although memory loss is one of the top symptoms of this neurological disorder, receiving treatment early on could boost your loved one’s cognitive health and memory, allowing him or her to remain independent for longer. An early diagnosis also allows families to find high-quality care for their aging loved ones.

Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Clearwater seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.

Physical Harm Due to Hallucinations

In both the early and later stages of dementia, seniors can experience hallucinations that cause them to hear, see, or feel things that don’t exist. Without adequate treatment in place, your loved one could hallucinate and harm him or herself or others. It’s important to develop coping strategies for these hallucinations, such as making home modifications or rearranging furniture. Also, speak with your loved one’s doctor about the hallucinations so he or she can determine what’s triggering your loved one’s false perceptions. In some instances, the hallucinations may be due to medications.

Inability to Perform Daily Tasks

If your loved one is unable to cook nutritious meals, maintain good hygiene, or schedule essential appointments such as doctor visits, it could compromise his or her health and safety. By receiving treatment early on, your loved one can preserve dopamine production and prevent his or her neurons from dying off as quickly as they would without medical treatment. As a result, your parent may be able to continue taking on daily tasks that enhance his or her mental and physical health and slow the progression of dementia.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Hospitalization

It’s common for seniors with dementia to be admitted to the hospital when the condition isn’t treated promptly. The risk of hospitalization is often higher due to poor care or ineffective communication. Doctors can help family caregivers develop sound care plans, which should include addressing other health complications, such as diabetes or arthritis. Failing to handle these disorders could raise the risk of new dementia symptoms and speed up the progression of the condition. Family caregivers have better knowledge about their loved one’s schedules, preferences, and communication abilities, which is why many seniors prefer in-home care, as opposed to staying in assisted living facilities or receiving treatment in hospitals.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to handle if their families opt for professional Home Care. Clearwater families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (727) 330-7862 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.

Request Free Information or
Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation