Did you spot the signs?
Could time spent together at Christmas reveal changes we’ve missed all year?
As Christmas finishes and the New Year begins, people across the country come together to celebrate. Whilst spending all this time together, many will start to notice that something might be a bit off about Dad. Maybe he left something in the oven too long, kept losing his glasses or kept telling the same story at the dinner table.
What many people don’t realise is that these small changes are not just harmless quirks that can be brushed aside. They may be early signs of Dementia. The early stages of dementia can last for up to two years, which means there is time for families and those supporting a loved one to notice changes and seek help. At Home Instead Sutton, all of our Care Professionals are trained to recognise the possible early signs of dementia and to support individuals with understanding and patience.
Here are a couple they keep an eye out for…
Difficulties in thinking things through and planning
Dementia is a disease that affects a person’s cognitive abilities, so some of the earliest signs often relate to changes in thinking and understanding.
In the early stages, someone may begin to struggle with tasks that once felt routine, such as making complex plans, following instructions, or explaining their reasoning clearly. They may also find it harder to remember finer details, like appointments, dates, or steps in a familiar process.
These changes can be subtle at first and are often mistaken for normal forgetfulness.
Repetition or forgetting words
Changes in the way a person communicates can be another early sign of dementia.
This can often surface in the form of repetition. Someone in the early stages may ask the same questions or tell the same stories several times within a short period. In some cases, actions may also be repeated, for example, feeding the cat more than once or repeatedly checking that they have remembered their purse. Although these behaviours are not intentional, they can be signs that a loved one is feeling unsure, anxious, or lacking their usual confidence.
Poor orientation
Getting lost in familiar locations can be another sign of cognitive difficulties. Someone in the early stages of dementia may struggle to find their way around places they used to know well, such as their neighbourhood, workplace, or even their own home.
If a loved one forgets a familiar route whilst driving or can no longer remember the way to the local park, it may be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
What can we do?
At Home Instead Sutton, we know that Dementia affects the whole family. Which is why our Care Professionals work hard to make sure that their clients and their families feel supported, not only physically but also emotionally. By spotting the signs early, you can make a real difference to the journey ahead, and we will be there to support you every step of the way.