Cognitive Impairment & Dementia
Cognitive impairment has many expressions, including memory impairment, altered thinking, and poor judgment. Elders who have lived independently for years may develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and need guidance with memory dependent tasks, such as medication management or money management. Others may develop a serious dementia, and require ever increasing levels of supervision to maintain personal safety. Many who suffer from cognitive impairment or dementia do not recognize their own limitations, creating major challenges for those who care for them.
“I can’t imagine going through J.’s illness without your support. Watching her decline has been very difficult, but being able to stay in our home has made the situation more bearable. The reliability of your home care services has made all the difference.”
Husband & primary caregiver
A growing number of elderly parents are struggling with the challenge of providing future care for aging children with brain injury or mental retardation (MR). Housing, medical care, and guardianship issues are but a few challenges they face.
Meet Mrs. Johnson
The Situation
It started with forgetfulness about seemingly little things – appointment dates, family events, an occasional missed medication – but she coped with good humor. That was five years ago. Now Mrs. Johnson refuses to take medications, hides her money and calls her son multiple times a day to report that someone is in her house. Last week a neighbor called to say that she saw Mrs. Johnson walking down the street after dark in her robe.
The Solution
Mature Options arranged for Mrs. Johnson to be evaluated by a geriatric psychiatrist. Medications were adjusted and caregivers were placed in the home 24 hours a day. Mature Options is also assessing dementia care units for future placement.
