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Companionship
and Socialization for Older Seniors
Palm Beach County, Florida
Mild Memory Impairment
 Mild
memory loss is not uncommon as we age. What used to be
easy, takes more effort. Glasses are always getting
misplaced and appointments must be written down. Names
we once knew are always on the tip of our tongue. Our
brains are disappointing us and we’re very annoyed by
it. Life’s clutter takes its’ toll!
For some elders, MCI or
mild
cognitive impairment may be a pre-cursor for a more
serious problem like Alzheimer’s or an unspecified
dementia. Depression, a common diagnosis in aging
adults, can mask itself as dementia or be present at the
same time. A thorough neurological evaluation should be
done to determine the cause of decline in an elder’s
functional and cognitive ability.
Although, there may be a
diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, elders can be
encouraged to maximize their independence with the
proper support services.* An Elder Friend can be just
the person an aging elder needs to manage on a day to
day basis. Friendly phone calls and outings can monitor
a client’s ever changing needs. Stress is reduced when
there is someone to step in and “fix” what the elder has
been having difficultly with.
Aging adults with memory
impairment need trained, caring, understanding “friends”
who guide while being sensitive to the losses the elder
is experiencing, friends who encourage his/her autonomy.
Spouses recognize the need for respite for themselves to
maintain their own equilibrium and understand how
important an Elder Friend can be as part of the Elder
Care Plan Team.
* Clients needing
additional services can be referred to a Geriatric Care
Manager for guidance and oversight and to Home Health
Agencies who can provide more intensive care.
Aging & Senior Links
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