As a family caregiver, it is important to note that recovery from a stroke can be long and challenging. It can also be layered, with your senior struggling with a wide variety of challenges and limitations, including ongoing memory changes. Recognizing these changes and helping your parent to cope with them is an important part of encouraging their recovery and supporting them to continue living their best life.
Some of the ways your senior’s memory may change after a stroke include:
- Visual changes can make it more difficult for your elderly loved one to recognize visual cues such as faces or objects. They may struggle even to recall people or places that are familiar, and may have marked difficulty remembering the names and faces of new people. This can also include your parent having difficulty getting to a familiar place or following routes they are used to
- Verbal changes can mean your parent struggles to come up with the right word or name, or may replace these language uses with other words and names, or even nonsensical sounds
- Your parent may struggle to learn new things after they have a stroke. Even with instructions and careful teaching, they may not be able to pick up new crafts or activities, be able to remember a recipe, or be able to follow instructions
- Vascular dementia is a specific type of dementia related to a stroke. With this type of dementia, your aging parent will struggle with changes to their cognitive functioning and ability to gain and recall memories
Wandering tendencies can become a danger if your aging parent is struggling with changes to their memory and cognitive functioning. If your senior begins to get confused about where they are, not seem to be able to get around their home or other familiar places, or can no longer get to places using familiar routes, it is important to make sure they have the care and assistance they need to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
When it comes to giving your senior the level of care and support they need, bringing home care into your caregiver routine can be one of the best choices you can make. Diversifying your senior’s care offers benefits not just for them, but for you as well. An in-home senior care services provider offers companionship and social stimulation while also enabling your parent to enjoy more independence and control over their own life. For you, knowing your parent is getting dedicated, respectful care eases your stress, boosts your mental and emotional health, and gives you the opportunity to focus more on your relationship with your senior rather than just their care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Larkspur, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today at 303-953-9924.
