Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects about 20 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 75. As you get older, the prevalence of MCI increases.
It’s defined as a condition where cognitive abilities like memorization and critical thinking have clearly declined, but it’s not yet Alzheimer’s. MCI may or may not progress into Alzheimer’s, though the risk of developing Alzheimer’s is higher.
If you have a parent diagnosed with MCI, now is the time to start making care plans. Cognitive skills are still present. It’s the prime time to draw up powers of attorney forms, advance directives, wills, and plans for aging at home and what happens if the condition does worsen. You need to talk about senior care as early as possible.
The Benefits of Senior Care Services After an MCI Diagnosis
MCI leads to some forgetfulness and loss of critical thinking. When a parent has MCI, you may find yourself fielding multiple calls per week with your parent thinking you haven’t talked recently. Your parent may completely forget a doctor’s appointment and have to pay a fine for failing to show up.
As forgetfulness is a common sign of MCI, you’ll find caregivers help remind your parent to take daily medications and vitamins. Senior care services like organization, appointment scheduling, and transportation help get your mom or dad to appointments on time.
If MCI progresses to Alzheimer’s, you might find your parent forgets that something is in the oven until it burns and fills the house with smoke. Senior care services like meal preparation help avoid that dangerous situation.
Driving may be risky. If your mom has MCI and loses some of her critical thinking skills, operating a car can become a hazard. She may not remember all of the steps that are needed to safely drive from one location to another.
Get a Caregiver Working With Your Parent ASAP
Ideally, you want to get your mom or dad used to having a caregiver around. If MCI does progress to dementia, the caregiver will be a familiar person. It helps to have someone your parent recognizes.
Even if you plan to provide the care your parent needs, senior care is important. It’s the best way to ensure you get to take breaks for self-care. You don’t want to isolate yourself into a position where you have no one else to help out. Call a senior care agency and make arrangements as soon as possible.
Sources:
https://www.medscape.com/answers/1136393-157417/what-is-the-prevalence-of-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci#
If you or an aging loved-one is considering senior care in Lodi, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.
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