Problems with Finances Could Be a Sign of Dementia in Aging Adults
CountryHouse at Council Bluffs
Apr 21, 2022
Nebraska - Eastern Region
Email US
Click to Email Us
General trouble with numbers
It may start slowly. Maybe you notice your loved one is having more difficulty with numbers in general, such as calculating a tip or figuring the score on a golf card. Maybe your loved one is a great card player, but now theyre having difficulty recognizing or processing the numbers on their playing cards. They could be having trouble recognizing the time on their clocks or dates on calendars. All of these things are common early signs that then progress into confusion with money.
They are neglecting their finances.
When visiting your parents, you see piles of unopened mail or worse, creditor envelopes and collection notices. Yikes. Losing track of financial matters is one of the first signs of dementia for many. Check your loved ones unpaid bills in particular, check taxes, property taxes, insurance premiums and doctors bills to make sure theyve been paid. If you can, examine your parents bank statements for signs of unusual activity.
Theyre being (or have been) scammed.
People with Alzheimers and dementia are easy targets for scammers and unscrupulous salespeople. If you notice that your loved one is making strange purchases, giving to new charities or investing in questionable financial products beware! These can all indicate the onset of memory loss and other dementia-related issues. Some charities will approach seniors over and over again and if your loved one doesnt remember donating, they may contribute each time they are asked to do so.
Theyre giving large amounts of money to someone.
Folks with dementia can often fall victim to dishonest people. Sadly, this can include friends or family members not just strangers. If you see financial documents or checks with signatures you dont recognize or discover their will or life insurance has been changed without your knowledge, these could be signs your loved one is being taken advantage of. It may not even be money look to see if there are items missing around their home, especially nice jewelry, furniture or family heirlooms. Can they explain where they went?
Unnecessary purchases or hoarding.
Are their bathroom shelves piled high with bars of soap or their freezer full of Thanksgiving turkeys? Repeatedly purchasing multiples of the same item is often an early sign that someones mental faculties are declining. An unwillingness to throw things away can also be a sign that some ones grip on reality is fading. And, of course, if your loved one is showing signs of hoarding (to the point where their home is unclean, unsafe and unmanageable) thats an even more serious warning to seek a safer living situation.
They make accusations related to money.
Because your loved one may not remember spending their money, they could grow suspicious. Maybe someone stole from them! Maybe they even accuse you! Many older adults will be wary of attempts to help with their financial affairs. The National Institute on Aging suggests taking these steps to help your loved one: giving small amounts of cash or voided checks to have on hand, minimizing spending limits on credit cards or having some cards cancelled. Both are good ways to help prevent excess spending for someone whos having trouble.
Money and memory loss are often entangled, so if you notice these or other financial warning signs it is time to address the issue. This can be a touchy subject, so begin with a conversation. Its important to help your loved one maintain a sense of independence while protecting them from significant financial mishaps. Your first steps may include reducing the number of credit cards in their name and in their hands, setting up spending alerts or just becoming more active in managing your loved ones finances. Its also important to make arrangements for the future. Discuss your loved ones wishes forestate planning, trusts, and designating a durable power of attorney while they are still able to participate in making these important decisions.
Other Articles You May Like
Finding The Right Support When Facing Alzheimer's Disease
Every day at Harmony at Diamond Ridge we serve families with loved ones who are diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimers disease, and other memory loss diseases. There is a lot of information about memory loss in seniors and the research process can be overwhelming. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include a family history of the disease, head injuries, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically develop slowly over time and worsen as the disease progresses. Some Alzheimers indicators include: Memory loss, especially of recent events Difficulty with language and communication Impaired judgment and decision-making Difficulty with problem-solving and planning Mood changes, such as depression or irritability Personality changes, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive Loss of interest in activities or hobbies Difficulty with basic activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming Research into the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, and there is hope that future developments may lead to a better understanding of the disease and new treatments that can improve the lives of those affected by it. Harmony Senior Services Signature Memory Care Program Harmony Reflections is built on elements that support a senior living with Alzheimers disease. The Reflections Program has 5-Key Components; Family Focused, Wellness, Reflections Program: Art and Music, Dining with Dignity, and Harmony Square. Each component engages the resident's present-day experiences while stimulating positive memories through therapeutic visual and tactile aids. We partner with each resident's family to create their individual life story profile - a process for collecting and sharing the resident's life history, preferences, routines, and habits. If you are researching solutions for a loved one living with dementia or you would like to learn more about Harmonys Signature Memory Care Program, call a Harmony community today to speak with one of our dedicated caregivers.
Recognizing and Managing Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
As we age, its natural for our brains to experience some level of change. Forgetting where we placed the keys or occasionally struggling to recall a name is often a normal part of aging. However, consistent patterns of memory loss or changes in behavior could signal the early stages of cognitive decline. Recognizing these early signs is crucial, as timely intervention can significantly slow progression and improve quality of life.What Are the Early Signs of Cognitive Decline?Early signs of cognitive decline can vary, but some common indicators include:Memory LossFrequently forgetting recent events, appointments, or conversations.Relying heavily on notes or reminders for tasks that were once routine.Difficulty with Problem-Solving or PlanningStruggling to follow familiar recipes or keep track of monthly bills.Trouble concentrating on complex tasks or making decisions.Language ProblemsForgetting simple words or substituting incorrect words.Difficulty participating in conversations or following a story.DisorientationGetting lost in familiar places or forgetting the time, date, or season.Changes in Mood or PersonalityIncreased irritability, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from social activities.Unexplained changes in behavior or decision-making.What to Do If You Notice These SignsIf you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, its important to act promptly. Cognitive decline can stem from various causes, some of which may be reversible with treatment.Consult a Healthcare Professional. Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or neurologist for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend cognitive tests, brain imaging, or bloodwork to determine the cause.Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle. Research shows that certain lifestyle changes can boost brain health and slow cognitive decline: Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain. Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can promote brain health. Engage in Mental Stimulation: Activities like puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill can keep the brain sharp. Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep can exacerbate cognitive problems.Maintain Social Connections. Staying socially active helps reduce stress and keeps the brain engaged. Encourage regular interactions with family and friends or participation in group activities.Monitor and Manage Chronic Conditions. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol can contribute to cognitive decline. Managing these conditions effectively can protect brain health.How Elderlink Can HelpAt Elderlink, we understand the challenges of navigating cognitive changes in yourself or a loved one. Caregivers provide personalized support designed to promote independence and enhance quality of life. From medication reminders and assistance with daily activities to engaging companionship, services are tailored to meet individual needs.Recognizing and addressing cognitive decline early can make a significant difference. With the right support and interventions, individuals can maintain their dignity, independence and well-being.Contact Elderlink today to learn how we can help your family navigate this journey with confidence and compassion 303-734-0641.
A New Era of Compassionate Dementia Care in Southern Colorado
For 40 years, Sangre de Cristo Community Care has provided compassionate, expert support to patients and families facing chronic and serious illnesses. Now, we are proud to introduce our new Dementia Care Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia while providing much-needed support for their caregivers.This Medicare-approved program offers dedicated care navigators, 24/7 nurse support, caregiver training, and respite careall aimed at enabling individuals to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. With a mission deeply rooted in dignity and quality of life, our team ensures that both patients and caregivers receive personalized guidance and access to essential community resources.Available throughout Southern Colorado, this program is open to Medicare beneficiaries with a dementia diagnosis who are not in a nursing home or PACE program. Self-referrals and provider referrals are accepted.If you or a loved one could benefit from this program, please call 719-553-1919 to learn more. At Sangre de Cristo Community Care, we continue to expand our services with compassion, knowledge, and positivitybecause every moment matters. Editors note: This article was submitted by Stephanie Ivankovich, Marketing Communications Manager for Sangre de Cristo Community Care, and many be reached at 719-542-0032 or by email at stephanie.ivankovich@sangre.org.
Local Services By This Author
CountryHouse at Council Bluffs
Memory Care 1831 East Kanesville Boulevard, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51503CountryHouse at Council Bluffs is a memory care residence that feels like home. We're a community dedicated to creating exceptional days filled with activities, personalized care, and unsurpassed support. Our highly trained and caring staff love what they do and it shows in every interaction. Most importantly, our purposefully built community allows us to be a place families can count on to provide their loved ones with a loving, caring and safe home.