Memory loss is an issue that many seniors face. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, about 40% of people aged 65 or older have memory impairment in the U.S., that’s about 16 million people. Of this group, about 1% of them will have memory problems that progress to dementia each year.
Some signs of memory loss that you may notice include forgetting appointments or names, having difficulty finding words, and needing to ask the same questions over and over again. Luckily, you can do a variety of things to help them with memory loss and improve their overall health.
A few ways you can help your senior include:
- Get Them Moving
- Help Them Establish a Routine
- Try New Mental Exercises
- Keep Them Social
- Talk to Their Doctor About Any Chronic Conditions
Contact Bluebird Homecare today to learn how we can help your senior.
Get Them Moving
Exercise can also help prevent things that lead to memory loss like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults aged 65 and older need at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity activity every week. This can include things like hiking, jogging, or running. It’s also recommended that they do activities that will strengthen their muscles twice a week like yoga or weight lifting. All of these activities can help their mood as they’ll supply endorphins and can improve their appetite as well.
Help Them Establish a Routine
Having a daily routine will help your senior cope with memory loss as they’ll be able to regularly engage in familiar tasks. This can also lessen stress and anxiety as your senior and those around them will know what to expect on a day-to-day basis. It allows them to feel comfortable and calm while still maintaining the same level of independence. Some things to consider when setting up a routine include keeping choices simple, activities and rest, and using planning tools like calendars.
Try New Mental Exercises
Mental exercises are a great activity to introduce into their daily routine. These can be things like word searches or puzzles which will also strengthen their hand-eye coordination. Or, depending on their interests, they can learn something new like how to play a musical instrument, another language, or cook specific meals.
Keep Them Social
Various studies have shown that staying social is key to helping seniors memory along with mental health. Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that even 10 minutes of social interaction daily can significantly improve their cognitive function. To keep them social, you can invite them to regular family outings or find local events for seniors that they can attend.
Talk to Their Doctor About Any Chronic Conditions
During this process, it’s also important to check in with their doctor and any chronic conditions your senior may have like depression, diabetes, or hearing loss. The better they’re able to take care of themselves, the better their memory is likely to be. Be sure to also discuss any medications they’re taking as it’s possible that some may affect their memory.
Let Bluebird Homecare Help Your Senior
Need additional help for your loved one? At Bluebird Homecare, we provide in-home care tailored to your loved one’s specific needs. Our mission comes down to this: we will treat your family like our family. And our company leadership has a very simple rule of thumb: we won’t send anyone into your home that we wouldn’t send into our own homes. Our services include:
- Condition Specific Care
- Companionship Services
- Laundry & Light Housekeeping
- Meal Preparation Help
- Personal Health & Hygiene Care
- Transportations, Outings & Errands Help
Contact Bluebird Homecare today to learn more about how we can help your senior.