Home Instead Richmond: How to spot the signs
Are small changes spotted during the holidays trying to tell us something bigger?
The festive season is a time of getting together, of shared meals, New Year’s traditions, and of seeing loved ones. People converge, often after long periods apart, making it the ideal time to potentially notice that something isn’t quite right with Mum…
These days, Dementia is becoming an increasing concern, with around 1 in 9 people over 65 being affected by Alzheimer’s; many are worried about how it could impact themselves or their loved ones. At Home Instead Richmond, we know that noticing the signs early can make a real difference. The early stages of dementia may last around two years, giving families time to understand what’s happening and plan the right support.
Read on to learn some of the signs our Care Professionals are trained to spot…
Visual-perceptual difficulties
A person with early dementia may begin to have trouble judging distances or recognising objects. Frequent small falls or bumps, knocking objects over or trouble with reading can be small everyday occurrences that may point towards visual-perceptual difficulties. While these changes can seem minor at first, they may be early signs that a person is finding it harder to process what they see.
Loss of interest in hobbies
Unusual changes in behaviour are another sign you may notice. People with early dementia may begin to gradually lose interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed, such as gardening, cooking, or spending time with friends. Rather than laziness or simply a change of taste, it can be a sign that everyday activities are becoming more difficult.
Changes in sleeping habits
Dementia can also affect sleep patterns. A loved one may begin sleeping more during the day, waking at unusual times or even struggle to sleep at night. These can be easily overlooked as being from stress or insomnia-related causes; however, in conjunction with the others listed, they may be an indicator that a person’s internal sense of time is becoming disrupted.
What can we do?
Noticing possible signs of dementia in a loved one can feel frightening and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Home Instead Richmond, we understand how important it is to approach these changes with patience, compassion, and the right support.
If your loved one does receive a diagnosis, our Care Professionals are ready to provide personalised care tailored to their client’s needs. Whether that means helping to maintain familiar routines, offering gentle reassurance, or providing companionship and practical support at home, our focus is always on helping people live well and safely in the place they feel most comfortable.
Want to know more? We also have a free downloadable Dementia Signs Checklist, a simple, practical tool designed to help families notice and track early changes, available here.
