Mom’s Memory Problems
I first noticed Mom’s memory problems in our phone conversations. She would stumble over a familiar word or repeat questions. When I visited, I saw how her memory issues affected her daily life. This once rigorous housekeeper wasn’t able to keep up with daily tasks. Her fridge contained moldy food. She had piles of papers and reminder notes everywhere. I witnessed her erratic schedule of self-care and eating. Even though she did okay driving to familiar spots, I wondered when her memory would fail her.
Finding Solutions: Memory Care at Home
I felt growing anxiety. What would happen if Mom couldn’t care for herself? She loved her little house and routine. I didn’t feel I could move her into a facility or closer to me. I began calling around, trying to find solutions.
A friend referred me to EasyLiving. She explained they cared for her Dad in his home for several years. When his memory failed, they helped him maintain his routine and activities safely. I contacted them and had a great chat. We arranged a meeting, and they even dealt with Mom’s long-term care insurance. What followed was totally unexpected.
How Mom Improved Her Memory in One Meeting
After assessing Mom’s needs and preferences, EasyLiving built a care plan. They assigned Mary, a caregiver with a lot of memory care experience. I felt better already, but still nervous.
I never expected that “memory care” would make such a difference in Mom’s memory and functioning. Right away, Mary reintroduced routine to Mom’s life. She simplified and organized things. She engaged Mom in conversation and activity. When I visited after the first meeting, the house looked totally different. But, I also noticed a huge difference in Mom. She knew where things were, and began to slide into the routine again. She was lively and more talkative.
Before and After
I would never have known to do all the things Mary did. And, I’m not sure Mom would have taken them so well coming from me. She focused on Mom’s interests as we’d shared in the Life History & Routines questionnaire. Mary set up Mom’s (never used) iPad to Facetime with the grandkids and an old friend. She downloaded podcasts of church sermons and Mom’s favorite movies. I never thought Mom would do puzzles or “memory games” but somehow Mary got her interested. Mom even started attending a weekly exercise class at the senior center after Mary took her.
And, now Mom was eating well with tons of “brain healthy” foods. Previously, she relied on frozen meals. Mary made sure she stayed hydrated and took her medicines on time. I believe some of her confusion and fatigue stemmed from medication misuse.
Mary got Mom’s appointments all straightened out. And, she set up a simple calendar and reminder system. Now, Mom didn’t have to leave notes and papers all over the place. Eventually, we worked with Mom to sell her car. Mary drove her to appointments and she used a car service occasionally. EasyLiving connected me to grocery and pharmacy delivery services.
The Benefits of EasyLiving Memory Care
- Safety & security: medication management; a clean, uncluttered home; improved nutrition; better hygiene; oversight; driving assistance; falls prevention, and more.
- Improved functioning: a structured schedule and assistance from consistent caregivers. People with memory disorders need routine and structure.
- Socialization: companionship from a highly trained caregiver. Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to cognitive decline.
- Memory-enhancing activities: intellectually and socially stimulating activities tailored to the person; safe, fun outings.
- Peace of mind for family members.
Chat with a care advisor to experience the EasyLiving difference for yourself.
Want to learn more?
Our Memory Care Guide offers tons of useful tricks and tips from our experts.
