For many people, an aging parent’s memory issues are automatically linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, memory losses are only a part of the problem, since the disease touches many brain functions. As a matter of fact, it is possible to notice different changes with the persons affected by the disease.
Still, it is necessary to differentiate these changes from a sign of normal aging, and the line can be sometimes thin.
Kathy and her mother, Margaret
Lately, Kathy noted that her mother Margaret seemed to have memory losses. Thinking it might be one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, Kathy made some searches concerning the disease. She quickly realized it didn’t only affect the memory and that some behaviors could be instructive.
Observe and discuss
Hence, Kathy created a small list of behavioral changes associated with the disease: memory and thinking disorders, bad judgment, communication disorders, learning and adaptation difficulties, daily planning difficulties, struggle to do some tasks, loss of interest for leisure and social activities, quick mood changes, objects misplaced in unusual places, etc.
After she wrote down what she already had noted, when the behaviors occurred, and how they were a significant change for Margaret, Kathy met her sibling to discuss the matter and learnt what they had notice on their side. It allowed her to determine some changes were now recurring behaviors, while Margaret never acted like that before. However, some other changes seemed minor.
Consult a specialist
Since their mother has an appointment with her physician in a few weeks, the siblings have decided to continue to watch and note these new behaviors. Kathy, who always accompanies her mother at the doctor’s office, will tell him about all the changes on that day. He’ll probably be able to determine if Margaret is in fact affected by Alzheimer, or refer her to an expert.
Meanwhile before this appointment, Kathy, just like her siblings, wonders what will happen with Margaret, especially if she’s affected by Alzheimer, since this disease can be difficult to manage, particularly at the most advanced stages. They all are already very busy with their occupations, theirs kids, and their daily tasks. None of them could take their mother at home.
Explore solutions
Fortunately, Robert, one of the brothers, heard about Visavie, a company specialized in senior housing search. The siblings all agree that the company could help them to find a senior home that could handle their mother’s needs, especially if she’s sick. Robert even suggests taking an appointment with a counsellor to learn more about their options.
During the last 30 years, Visavie accompanied more than 150,000 families, in Quebec and Ontario, to choose a senior home suited for the needs, the preferences and the budget of the concerned persons. We highly respect our clients and our main concern is to offer solutions perfectly appropriate for them.
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