5 Effective and Easy Tips for Seniors to Make Friends
To be honest, making friends as a senior is not as simple at all like before.
In the past, friendship used to happen with the flow of life, very naturally. There were chances to connect at school, work, and in the community. But as life goes on, schedules change, obligations change, and all of a sudden, those easy social circles aren’t as easy to go to anymore.
That said, it’s not the end of the path at all. For a lot of people, this stage of life really does open up new doors. Making friends as a senior can be easier than you think, especially for seniors living in Canada, where retirement communities are built with connection in mind.
Yes, it might be scary to move into a new place at first. But it’s also the start of something exciting: a new chapter with new people, shared experiences, and important talks.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. Let’s go over a few basic, useful techniques to make those connections happen.
Why Making Friends as a Senior Matters
Before jumping into the tips, it’s worth understanding why making friends as a senior is so important.
It’s not only about passing the time; social connection is really important for your health. Seniors get a lot more than just company when they socialize. Being socially engaged can make you feel better, give you more energy, and even help your physical health.
The objective of many activities in retirement communities isn’t just to have fun; it’s to interact with other people. When you spend time with other people, tell tales, and make friends, it naturally makes you feel more like you belong.
And to be honest, life is just better when you can laugh with other people.
1. Start with Mealtime Conversations
One of the easiest ways to begin making friends as a senior is also one of the most natural and that is, mealtime.
In many retirement communities, meals aren’t just about food. They’re social moments. Sitting down at a shared table creates an effortless opportunity to connect with someone new.
You don’t need a big plan or a perfect conversation starter. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking, “How’s your day going?” or commenting on the meal. Food has a way of bringing people together, and before you know it, a small chat can turn into a familiar face you look forward to seeing every day.
In many senior lifestyle Canada settings, these shared dining experiences are designed to encourage interaction. So instead of sticking to the same seat every time, try mixing it up a little. You might be surprised how quickly conversations start to flow.
2. Join Social Activities and Programs
If you really want to boost your chances of making friends as a senior, getting involved in activities is a game-changer.
Most retirement community activities are designed specifically to bring people together. Whether it’s a fitness class, a game night, or a creative workshop, these events naturally create a shared experience.
And here’s the best part, you’re already surrounded by people who have similar interests.
That makes starting conversations a lot easier. You’re not walking up to a stranger out of nowhere; you’re already part of the same activity. It gives you something to talk about without even trying.
Even if the first event feels a bit awkward, don’t write it off. The more regularly you attend, the more familiar faces you’ll start to see. Over time, that familiarity turns into comfort and that’s when real connections begin to form.
3. Keep It Simple: Smile and Listen
This might sound basic, but it’s incredibly powerful.
When it comes to making friends as a senior, your approach matters just as much as your effort. A simple smile can go a long way. It makes you more approachable and sets a positive tone for any interaction.
But even more important than talking is listening.
People naturally feel drawn to those who show genuine interest in what they’re saying. You don’t need to impress anyone or have the perfect story ready. Being there and talking to someone can make a real connection.
In a lot of cases, strong friendships aren’t established on big gestures; they’re built on modest, regular acts of generosity and honesty.
4. Take the First Step (Even If It Feels Awkward)
Let’s be honest: it can be a little awkward to start a conversation with someone you don’t know.
But here’s the thing: the other person is probably feeling the same way.
Taking that first step is one of the best ways for making friends as a senior. You don’t have to talk for a long time. A short “hello” or a small comment can open the door.
And not every time you talk to someone needs to lead to a close friendship. That’s OK.
The most important thing is to make it a habit. It gets easier the more you put yourself out there. That first hesitation goes away over time, and it starts to feel normal to connect with other people again.
5. Be Patient with Yourself
It takes time to make friends.
When you’re a senior and trying to make friends, one of the most crucial things to remember is to allow yourself time. It’s very natural if things don’t work out right away when making friends as a senior, as the dynamic of life isn’t the same as old times.
Some days you might want to be social and confident, while other days you might want to keep things low-key. It’s OK either way.
What matters is being consistent. Being there, trying again, and letting relationships grow on their own.
Those little interactions build up over time. A familiar face transforms into a pleasant conversation, and a friendly conversation soon turns into a real bond.
The Health Benefits of Socializing for Seniors
There is more to this than just friendships.
Research and real-life experience show that socialization is good for older people. Being socially engaged can help your mental health, lower your stress levels, and even help your physical health.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that social connection helps mitigate blood pressure, enhance the immune system, and alleviate feelings of loneliness or despair.
In fact, having a busy social life is generally connected to better brain health as well.
So, when you focus on making friends, you’re not just making connections, you’re also taking care of your health.
Finding Support in Your Community
You’re not alone on this trip if you live in a retirement home.
Most communities have staff or Life Enrichment teams whose job it is to keep residents interested and active. They can help you get used to your new home by suggesting things to do, introducing you to other people, and making you feel more at ease.
These support systems are a big component of the experience for senior living in Canada. They are there to make sure you are not just getting by, but doing well.
So don’t be afraid to ask for help if you ever feel stuck. A little help can make a big difference at times.
A Chance to Connect
Making friends as a senior isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about giving yourself the chance to connect.
Yes, it can be a little strange at first. But if you put in a little effort, be patient, and keep an open mind, those connections will start to happen on their own.
Retirement isn’t just about slowing down; it’s also about enjoying being with other people, talking to them, and spending time with them.
Water is essential. That’s given. But it becomes even more crucial when we get older. Dehydration in seniors can often lead to fatigue, confusion, and even serious health complications.
But the good news is with a few simple habits, dehydration is totally preventable.
So grab a glass of water, settle in, and let’s explore how staying hydrated can help you feel your best as a senior!
What Is Dehydration And Why Should It Matter To Seniors?
Dehydration is simply the body losing more fluids than it’s taking in. Water is important for nearly everything your body does. Starting with regulating temperature, keeping your joints moving quite conveniently, aiding digestion, supporting brain function, and even helps you think more clearly.
When we age, our bodies are unable to hold onto water as well. Our “I’m thirsty” signal starts to wane. We may not realize we’re dehydrated until our bodies start sounding…the alarm.
Why Are Seniors More at Risk of Dehydration?
Let’s explore some signs of dehydration in seniors:
1. Slower Thirst Response
As we age, we don’t always feel thirsty, even when our bodies really need a drink.
2. Mobility Challenges
When getting up and grabbing a glass of water is a hurdle, water intake becomes automatically lowered. And hydration, unfortunately, takes a back seat.
3. Health Conditions
Chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can cause fluid loss even more than the average person. This often happens without you even realizing it.
4. Medications
Certain blood pressure medications can cause increased urination, leading to increased water loss.
5. Flu, Fevers, & Fluid Fights
If you’re down with the flu, have a fever, or are dealing with vomiting or diarrhea, your body swiftly loses a lot of fluids. It can be a bit more challenging to keep up with water intake as you may be experiencing corresponding loss of appetite, etc.
6. Heat
While bright, sunny days may elevate your spirits, they also increase sweat and fluid loss, even if you’re just resting outside.
14 Common Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration in Seniors
To understand whether your loved one is dehydrated or not, keep an eye out for these 14 common signs:
- Dry mouth or cracked lips
- Dry skin
- Dark-colored and strong-smelling urine
- Less frequent urination
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Trouble walking or balancing
- Confusion or memory lapses
- Fast heart rate
- Fainting
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Black or bloody stool
Look out for these 14 signs but pay extra attention to the last six. These could be signs of severe dehydration that need immediate medical attention. If you notice any of them, don’t wait for a moment, contact your doctor right away.
How Dehydration Affects Blood Pressure
Here’s something many people may not know but it’s very important to be aware that dehydration messes with blood pressure.
When we’re low on fluids, our blood volume drops. This can lead to low blood pressure, making us feel dizzy, tired, or weak. Furthermore, studies have shown that staying dehydrated for too long can worsen hypertension.
That’s because when our body senses too much sodium, our brain tells the pituitary gland to release a hormone called vasopressin. This hormone tells our kidneys to hold on to more water, making things even more complicated for your blood pressure.
So whether it’s high or low, staying hydrated helps keep your blood pressure in check.
4 Hidden Dangers of Dehydration
Long-term dehydration can catch up on you and cause problems such as
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones or kidney damage
- Seizures from electrolyte imbalances
- Hypovolemic shock (a dangerous drop in blood volume)
Sounds intimidating? Don’t worry. They are avoidable with good hydration habits. Read on to learn what you can do to be healthily hydrated.
7 Easy, Everyday Tips to Help Seniors Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be a chore. In case you are wondering what is the fastest way to cure dehydration, here are some fun and easy ways to sneak more water into your day:
1. Drink Water Regularly!
Yes, yes, it’s obvious, we know. But it’s easy to forget. Maintain a routine, set phone reminders, keep a checklist if it helps. Make hydration part of your everyday habit.
2. Jazz Up Your Drinks
Are you bored of drinking plain water everyday? It’s definitely not your thing, huh?
Well, in that case, give your glass of water a little twist! Add lemon, lime, cucumber, or mint for a burst of freshness. Flavoured sparkling water, low-sugar juice, or even milk can mix things up (just watch out for the sugar!).
3. Eat Your Water
Yes, you read it right. You can also eat your water. Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges, along with veggies such as cucumbers and celery, are packed with water. Even low-sodium soups count.
Both hydrating and delicious?
It’s a win-win then!
4. Plan Ahead for Hot Days
If it’s sunny, humid, or you’re heading out for a walk, up your water game. Drink more water on such days to balance your dehydrating effects.The same goes for days when you’re sick or feeling under the weather.
5. Keep It Within Reach
As the old saying goes – out of sight, out of mind. Always keep a water bottle or glass handy wherever you spend time. Be it on the couch, at your desk, or by the bed.
6. Small Sips Add Up
You may not be a fan of chugging water. And that’s okay. Frequent small sips throughout the day are just as effective. Maybe even better.
7. Cheers!
Make it a habit to drink a glass of water with every mealtime and activity. Easy, right?
The Way Verve Senior Living Prioritizes Hydration
Our Living Loving Local culinary program offers fresh, delicious, and hydrating meals that support overall wellness. We also ensure water and other drinks are always on the reach. Even our staff here are trained to observe any signs of dehydration, so we can take action early. At Verve Senior Living, hydration means health. And we’re here to make it simple, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life.
Bottom Line: Drink Up and Feel Better!
While hydration might not be the most fun topic, it’s one of the easiest ways to feel better, stay sharp, and support your body as you age.
Dehydration in seniors is common but very easily preventable. All you need is…just a little awareness and some minimal changes in your daily habits. In this way, you can keep yourself or your loved ones healthy, happy, and of course, hydrated.
So, raise that glass and cheers to healthy living!
We do it naturally: Plan for that next big vacation. Get excited for a special occasion or holiday. Put all our energy into our next meeting with friends. But what about the everyday? Our routines that carry us through and have the ability to infuse the moments in between the big events with joy. They don’t all have to bring you immense happiness to evoke satisfaction and contentment—the joy of simply being alive and all that it encompasses can be far more impactful, sometimes.
1. Be Present.
Being present is beyond being physically in a space. It’s about your mind and senses feeling engaged with the moment. Instead of texting—call your friend or family member; it’ll allow you to be 100% engaged with the conversation instead of getting it in while doing another task. Prepare dinner from scratch rather than throwing a frozen make-ahead into the microwave. Mixing ingredients together enforces mindfulness and has the added benefit of being healthier for you than what comes from the grocery store freezer section!
2. An Attitude of Gratitude.
Channeling all those good vibes can improve your overall health, from strengthening your immune system to reducing stress levels for better sleep, which reduces irritability and improves your capacity for patience and acceptance; it’s a cyclical effect that keeps on giving! Thank someone for something routine they do for you, compliment a stranger, notice something in nature—all of these things can add up! See our tips for practicing daily gratitude for the benefit of health and wellbeing.
3. Greet your day a little earlier.
Whether it’s 15 minutes or a half-hour, resist hitting snooze and fight the initial grogginess to greet the day with calm and time to savor that morning cup of coffee before your regular routine starts. Stretch, journal, meditate— whatever feels good. This time is your time, and will help immensely with getting you in the right headspace before anyone has a chance to affect your mood.
4. Reconnect with your childhood.
You don’t have to break out the Lego for this one. What we mean is, try to take a simplified, carefree approach to tasks. Have to weed the garden? Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty! Feel the ground; really be present in the task. Approaching tasks and situations with curiosity and openness can be a solid step towards discovering new favourite hobbies, making friends, and enjoying a whole new world.
5. Don’t put off to later what you really want to do now.
Sure, the To Do list is a mile long, but taking ten minutes to sit down with a book—or whatever small activity that brings you joy—provides a mindful rest that brings you into the moment and can even provide clarity for when you move into your next pursuit.
It all sounds simple enough, but can be much more difficult when put into practice. A lifetime of rushing and deadlines and time obsession is hard to shake. A tool that can help with that is meditation. Just five minutes a day can go a long way!
Keep in mind: Just because things don’t always turn out the way we planned, doesn’t mean they don’t have their own benefits. Pause to reflect (there’s that whole “Being Present” thing again!) and you might just discover a wonderful outcome you never even expected.
Slow down, enjoy each part of your day for what it is, rather than always looking ahead to the next thing. Simply living is a joy and a privilege.
Explore all of the Life Enrichment possibilities at Verve Senior Living to help inspire your day.
A life well lived includes many things and varies from person to person. Other than water, regular exercise, and a handful of other needs across the board, what brings us joy changes with the seasons, from one stage of life to the next, and differs between us and our loved ones. Some people enjoy playing golf while others prefer a great crib hand. Some enjoy big parties while others prefer quiet evenings with a few chosen friends. Whatever the scenario, they all include being social to varying degrees and offer several benefits for seniors especially.
Making new connections, as well as connecting with those you love and the community around you is just as important to healthy living as eating the right foods for healthy aging. From staving off loneliness that leads to depression, to physiological benefits, being social is good for the heart, mind and body.
Positive Mental Health
A positive outlook isn’t just about being happy all the time. It’s grounded in a practical approach to the day that inspires and energizes one to live well by making healthful choices. Socially active seniors have an easier time beating stress because they have a community to support them through the rough times; talking things through with a friend is a therapeutic way of managing the unexpected twists and turns of life. Being social, even if it’s just a weekly coffee with a friend or regularly scheduled phone call can give one something to look forward to and become a healthy regular habit.
Physiological Benefits of Being Social
Socializing can boost the immune system and lower blood pressure—but how?! Well, those happy, warm feelings you get when laughing with a good friend is a rush of endorphins. Those endorphins in turn help energize you, and you might feel more inclined to make healthier choices from what you eat to how you spend your time…exercising! Socializing can even help lower your risk of dementia by stimulating your cognitive functioning and therefore boost brain health.
Ways to be social for seniors
1. Join one of Verve Senior Living’s many signature Life Enrichment programs, from fitness classes to games’ nights and book clubs, and discover new friends with similar interests. You might just discover something new about yourself, too!
2. Consider adopting a pet. There are so many added benefits, like lower blood pressure and physical activity, but having a pet provides a great catalyst for social interaction.
3. Take it one step at a time. No one is expecting you to be life of the party right away. Give yourself a little grace! Say hello or even just smile next time you see your neighbour. Then the next time, ask how their day is going. As nervous as you are, they might be feeling the exact same way.
Need a few extra tips? Brush up on our effective and easy tips for seniors to make friends and then consider putting one or all into play. We want you to be socially connected at Verve, which is all part of our mission to help you achieve vibrant living through feeling supported, connected and engaged.
Having a regular, daily routine has multiple overall health benefits that range from physical care to maintaining cognitive function and keeping spirits up. With aging comes loss of physical abilities and independence, as well as cognitive decline and the loss of loved ones. The days tend to either fly by or crawl, and in their unpredictability cause stress, fear, loneliness and sadness. A regular daily routine can help return structure to the day, while boosting the mind, body and spirit.
Here are your 10 Daily Habits to incorporate into a regular routine:
1. Set goals.
Even if it’s one simple thing like “I will smile at someone today”, or “I’ll finally change the batteries in the remote today”, accomplishing just one thing a day can increase satisfaction and self-confidence. By having one task, you’ve infused your day with purpose and motivation.
2. Think of the positive.
Which for some people, might be the goal. It might be a happy travel memory, or focusing on something simple in the present like how delicious breakfast is. There’s always at least one – probably 10 – good things that happen every day if you really think about it.
3. Practicing daily gratitude is a part of thinking positive, but takes it one step further. Incorporate giving gratitude for 3-5 things that happened during the day that worked out, were wonderful, or even weren’t but still held value. Before you know it, the list will grow and you’ll start noticing the good in more than the negative.
4. Start the day with a healthy breakfast that gives your body energy and soul a boost. Verve dining is centered around this Living Loving Local philosophy with its chef-inspired dining that focuses on nutrition and great taste.
5. Moderate exercise.
Stretching, yoga, walking, Verve fitness programs! Maintain mobility, loosen stiff joints, relieve aches with any of these moderate daily exercises. Consider lifting water bottles if you don’t have light weights and invest in a resistance band to keep up a minimum muscle mass.
6. Socialize.
From a simple phone call or text to a friend, to an organized community activity, socializing a little every day is a proven way to boost your mood and maintain cognitive functioning. Plus it’s fun!
7. A good sleep routine promotes healthy sleep patterns for quality, 7-8 hours of sleep. Enforcing a regular nightly routine that includes no screentime before bed, a dark room, and preparing the body for sleep can help improve your sleep quality. Sleep routine to promote good sleep (Dark, no screens, prep the body for quality 7-8 hrs sleep)
8. Personal hygiene.
Both morning and night, regular teeth brushing and washing helps prep the body for day or sleep, while maintain your health.
9. Challenge cognitive abilities.
Daily reading, word or number puzzles after breakfast or as an afternoon activity will help keep the mind sharp! Even learning to play an instrument or taking dance lessons helps challenge the brain to think in new ways.
10. Don’t underestimate the great outdoors.
Nothing beats five minutes in fresh air, absorbing the beauty of nature to calm the spirit and boost the mood.
Start by making a list of YOUR favourite activities and incorporate a few of them daily to tailor your routine to something you’ll happily maintain for years to come.
Living with Alzheimer’s or dementia is challenging. Keeping your older loved one feeling secure, happy, and above all safe, becomes top priority as they start to have trouble remembering, processing, and reasoning.
Simply thinking about a routine daily task can be overwhelming. By introducing a few simple measures into your home, you can help boost their independence while reducing frustration, stress, anxiety — for them, and for you, as you learn to navigate this new challenge.
6 Simple steps to make your home dementia-friendly
1. Lock the door
Wandering is a common activity for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Deadbolts, child locks (like the toddler knob-covers), alarms, and even disguising the door to look like an extension of the wall can all help in preventing your senior loved one from inadvertently trying to escape.
2. Clear out the clutter
Removing distracting piles, clutter and items that aren’t necessary can help those living with dementia focus on exactly what they need.
3. Simple signage
Putting up simple “Food” or “Bed” signs with one-word or picture indicators can be helpful. In places like the bathroom and kitchen, labeling faucet handles with “hot” and “cold” is a great way to make those rooms extra functional. Consider adding decals or other decorations on large windows or glass doors, as these can be difficult to see for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
4. Use contrasting colours
While painting the bathroom door a different colour is helpful, having a toilet seat that stands out is a great way as well to help make this task easier for those with dementia. Same goes for the kitchen. A bright plate on the plain table will highlight the food and because they’re clearly able to see the food on a bright, un-patterned plate, they’ll have an easier time eating it independently.
5. Support along the way
Installing handrails in stairways, adding no-slip strips to stairs, lighting the halls, and a gentle reminder to not carry anything while they’re walking can all help aid balance and minimize falls.
6. Out of sight, out of mind
As much as you want to draw attention to certain items and places, hiding the things you don’t want them to use – like knives, pet food, etc. – can help as well.
Some companies make adaptive dining and personal hygiene products to make these daily tasks easier on those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease.
A few don’ts
- Close the doors to any rooms you don’t want attention drawn to.
- Using colourful patterns can be disorientating and will create visual confusion.
- Avoid reflective surfaces and overly bright lights. Keeping things muted and even will help those living with dementia from feeling overwhelmed.
- Don’t use area rugs, these pretty accents clutter a space and can inadvertently cause tripping.
Unsure if the above is really necessary yet for your senior loved one? Understanding the signs and symptoms of dementia is the first step. Your local Alzheimer’s Association is always available to offer additional tools and resources. Selected Verve Senior Living residences may offer respite stays to give those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as their caregivers, a welcome break with peace of mind that your senior loved one is well-cared for by a trained, loving support team.
We might not even think about the stresses that could face us as seniors, after all, this is our time to reap the rewards of a lifetime and just relax…right? But the sad fact is, we face stressful situations no matter our age. Sure the stressors may change: Instead of worrying about work and kids, we worry about health, increasing loss of independence, and the loss of loved ones. The way we mentally, and therefore physically deal with those stressors, can have a huge impact on our overall health.
“It has been verified through scientific exploration that more than 80 percent of all diseases are due to stress and strain that originate in the mind and reflect on the body.” – American Medical Association
As our body naturally reacts to stress, it goes into a “fight or flight” response, which over time, leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, headaches, anxiety & depression, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Increased heart rate and pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Digestive system upsets
- Lack of sleep
Proper stress management includes a healthy balance of the following four lifestyle factors:
- Mindfulness
Distractions and instant gratification techniques only go so far and will not help to assuage the root cause of your stress. Taking mindful moments in your day for proper reflection can feel uncomfortable, but will help you to work through the issue in the long-run. Writing things down in a stream of consciousness way can help you to identify why you’re feeling stressed, and even help to start problem-solving solutions. Talking things through with a friend or counselor is another way. Practicing daily gratitude is a wonderful way to end the day and show you that while there may be some aspects of life that aren’t perfect, there’s still a lot that is. Enjoy the small moments, and watch how they add up.
- Exercise
Daily exercise is one of the best ways to reduce chronic stress, doing both the mind and body good. Regular aerobic exercise can help improve cognitive health, reduce blood pressure, relieve the physical effects of stress, and help release endorphins to combat stress hormones. Tending to your physical health will also help your body stay in shape and mind shape to maintain independence longer. One wonderful routine exercise is yoga to boost physical and mental health.
- Community
Maintaining friendships can get trickier as we age, but is also an important factor in self-confidence, cognitive functioning, and overall wellness. Try our 5 effective and easy tips for seniors to make friends, or learn more about Verve’s Life Enrichment programs specially designed to boost community, like our expressive art therapy and why it’s therapeutic. There are also benefits to owning a pet as a senior, such as socialization and companionship.
- Healthy Eating
Verve Senior Living is dedicated to delivering chef-inspired dining to all of its residents, based on our Living Loving Local philosophy that is focused on fresh, local ingredients that are packed with nutritional benefits. Why? Because we believe that healthy eating is paramount to not only boosting physical wellness, but the mind and soul benefits from the experience and energy.
If you’re feeling irritable, indigestion, heart palpitations, having trouble sleeping or tension headaches, excessively indecisive, and feeling a general malaise, please speak with your health care professional as these are all symptoms of stress that shouldn’t be ignored. Always remember: you’re not alone. Help is available.
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Knowledge is power, and obtaining knowledge about dementia at any stage, particularly during the early stages, can make it all the more powerful. In the case of early detection, it can mean early intervention and early protection. Getting an early diagnosis can help individuals and families to be proactive and gain more control over their lives.
Many are often afraid of what the doctor may discover if they do go for a check up, however delaying the investigation may actually make matters worse. As we already are aware, there are some types of dementia’s that are treatable; in fact, reversible. Obtaining a proper diagnosis will help to properly deal with the situation. Knowing can also assist with:
- Gaining insight and education on the condition
- Exploring treatment options
- Creating plans for the future
- Developing support networks
Although receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult, many individuals and families experience relief of knowing the reason for the symptoms they are experiencing.
The Most Commonly Observed Signs/Symptoms of Dementia
Below is a list of the most common symptoms that are often exhibited in earlier stages.
Changes in Memory
“Normal” is when a person temporarily forgets where they placed their keys or cell phone for a few minutes. However, if someone frequently misplaces things and this becomes a daily occurrence, then this is something we should pay attention to. Other examples include repeating questions or regularly forgetting to take medications.
Changes in Thinking
Disorientation and/or not knowing how to go to a place one is familiar with; inability to perform a routine they normally do; or having difficulties recalling the day of the week are all examples of changes in one’s thinking abilities. An example is when a person is trying to make their yummy apple pie but are having difficulties with following the steps involved.
Changes in Judgment
Saying or doing things that are inappropriate in public or to a random person or making decisions or taking actions that can put themselves, or another, in harm’s way. For example, trying to stand on a chair that has wheels in order to reach for something.
Changes in Communication
Changes in communication abilities can range for each person. Some people may have difficulties not recognizing words or using words in a conversation that don’t fit or make sense. For example, using the word “kitchen” when what the person is actually trying to say is that they are hungry. There could also be difficulties with comprehending the words spoken to them.
Changes in Personality
Mood swings or showing extreme emotions or exhibiting attitude and behaviours not normally characteristic of the person is common. For example, when a person used to be very patient with others but is now very impatient.
Any combination of the above are important signs/symptoms of dementia that we should not ignore nor delay in seeking medical attention. Early diagnosis and “treatment”/”management” is still the best way that both care-giver and care-receiver can maintain optimum quality of life.
If you suspect that you or someone you care about is exhibiting symptoms of dementia, start by speaking with a family doctor. You can also seek education and support from organizations like the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Family Caregivers of B.C. or even smaller personalized businesses like Dementia Solutions. There is help available. You do not have to journey alone.
Karen Tyrell CPCA, CDCP is a Dementia Consultant, Educator, Author & Advocate, and Founder of Personalized Dementia Solutions Inc. (www.DementiaSolutions.ca). Karen offers her expertise on dementia care through speaking engagements, workshops, support groups and by working one-on-one with families and caregivers to provide emotional support and practical solutions.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this blog are provided for information purposes only. They are not intended to replace clinical diagnosis or medical advice from a health professional. For any health-related issue, always seek medical advice first from a trained medical professional.
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