Affordable Home Care

My Dad has short term memory loss. Should I move him to a nursing home?

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:40:29 +0000

Short term memory loss is tiring on family members. Moving a person with dementia away from their familiar environment, whether it be a nursing home or assisted living, is devastating to the patient. They lose a big portion off their quality of life. They will regain most of it back, however, it will take about six to eight weeks. Consistency is very important for your Dad. He is familiar with his surrounding and his routine. When change takes place you will see a lot of confusion and more loss of memory. If his health is good with the proper care he should be able to stay home for many years to come.

My Mother keeps asking me the same question over and over, it’s driving me crazy. What can I do?

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:33:54 +0000

Sounds like your Mother has a memory problem. The best thing to do is change the subject. Do something to distract her. Ask her to take a walk with you or assist in making a glass of tea or prepare a meal. If you are on a walk talk to her about the sounds of the birds or the different flowers growing in the yards. Talk to her about the ingredients in the dish you are preparing. You can have her peel the potatoes and talk about where the potatoes came from. that could trigger her long term memory when she was growing up. Mind stimulation is good for short term memory loss.