One of the most important things you can do when faced with the death of a loved one is to allow yourself to grieve. You may experience shock, anger, sadness, and can even feel lost or helpless. This is normal, but it is necessary to express these feelings because keeping them in will only lessen your ability to cope.
Talk to your family and friends about what you are feeling. It is likely that they are feeling the same emotions as you and talking about it will help you cope and find closure. Talking about your loved one after their death is also a great way to honor their memory and help you appreciate the moments you had with them. There are other ways to honor them as well, including donating to their favorite charities, planting a tree in their memory, or spending time with family to share stories and reminisce with photos of fun times. These kinds of activities, while they may seem difficult, will help you find closure and acceptance.
When you experience the death of a family member, you will be filled with many emotions and may also be required to do things like make funeral arrangements or work with their estate planners to carry out their final will. During this time, it is imperative that you take care of yourself and not neglect your needs – eat well, get plenty of rest, and try to continue doing the things that bring you joy. Whether this is exercise or spending time with friends, this will help you cope and keep a level head while dealing with other responsibilities.
Dementia is a progressive brain disease that causes memory loss, personality changes, and impaired cognitive function.
The outcome of the disease depends on the type of dementia and which part of the brain is affected. Some types of dementia can be slowed or reversed if caught in time.
The first step is to identify normal memory loss from dementia symptoms. In this quick guide, we outline symptoms of dementia and explain the cause of the disease.
What Causes Dementia?
Dementia is caused by damage or changes in the brain. Some causes of dementia include:
Alzheimer’s disease
Long-term blood pressure
Stroke
Severe head injury
Parkinson’s disease
Less common causes of dementia:
Huntington’s disease
Some cases of multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic sclerosis
Late-stage syphilis
Diseases that affect brain tissue — i.e., leukoencephalopathies
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia?
Changes in memory come with age, but not all changes indicate dementia. And dementia affects more than just memory, it also impacts spatial skills, executive functioning, language, and mood.
Here are the common symptoms of dementia:
Memory Loss : This includes lapses in short-term memory, forgetting dates, events, and repeatedly asking the same questions.
Impaired Judgement : A person with impaired judgment may fall victim to scams or have trouble caring for a pet.
Issues with Abstract Thinking : Someone may have difficulties solving puzzles or completing daily tasks.
Poor Reasoning : This includes trouble problem solving, following directions, or balancing a checkbook.
Loss of Communication Skills : Poor communication skills may look like difficulty finding words or following conversations.
Confusion and Disorientation : Someone living with dementia may get lost in familiar places, become confused about dates or seasons, or not recognize familiar people.
Neglect of Personal Care : Neglect of personal care includes wearing inappropriate clothing for the season, declining hygiene, or neglecting nutrition.
Poor Coordination : A person suffering from dementia may have issues with balance and fall more often.
Personality Changes : Personality changes include withdrawal from social activities, apathy, depression, hallucinations, or agitation.
When Should Someone With Dementia Receive Hospice Care?
If dementia has progressed, it may be time to think about hospice care. Those with dementia may be eligible for hospice care when they show all of the following characteristics:
Unable to dress without assistance
Incontinence of bowel issues
Unable to speak or communicate meaningfully
Unable to walk or move with assistance
Deciding that a loved one or patient needs hospice care is challenging. The team at Westlake Village ensures that the process is peaceful and comforting.
Contact us to schedule a free in-home assessment.
Westlake Village Hospice, Inc provides home hospice care for patients in Los Angeles, Arleta, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Burbank, Chatsworth, Encino, Glendale, Glenoaks, Granada HIlls, Hansen Hills, Hidden Hills, La Crescenta, Lake Balboa, Lake View Terrace, MIssion Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, San Fernando, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Sun Valley, Sunland, Studio City, Sylmar, Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, Toluca Lake, Toluca Terrace, Tujunga, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Vergudo, West Hills, West Toluca Lake, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Ventura County, Antelope Valley, and the San Fernando Valley.
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