How In-Home Care Can Help Seniors with Brain Fog in Santa Cruz, CA

Do you notice that your elderly relative or parent is having difficulty concentrating? Do they seem disorganized or confused in a way that isn't typical of them?

When a senior loved one has episodes of disorientation or confusion, it may be reasonable to assume that they may be suffering from dementia. But it's possible they're just experiencing brain fog, which is common but temporary. However, it's important for seniors living with brain fog to get the support they need with maintaining their routine so they can continue to age in place. If your senior loved one experiences episodes of brain fog, you should consider professional in-home care from Visiting Angels Central Coast. We've been helping seniors in Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Marina, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Salinas and surrounding communities in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties get the support and assistance they need to continue remaining safe and comfortable as they live out their golden years in their cherished home.

Understanding Brain Fog and How It Impacts Seniors in Santa Cruz, CA and Surrounding Areas

If you're considering in-home care for a senior loved one because you suspect they may be dealing with brain fog, it's important to understand the common symptoms of brain fog, what can cause it and possible signs that it could actually be dementia. It's also important to know how a professional caregiver can help seniors living with brain fog.

What is Brain Fog?

"Brain fog" is a non-medical condition that causes seniors to experience disorientation, forgetfulness, trouble focusing and dissociation. These symptoms can be troubling since they are temporary, so a senior may have brain fog one day and be just fine the next.

Elderly people experiencing brain fog can have trouble with remembering to eat, drink enough water, or take their prescriptions as prescribed. Occasionally, they may forget about their personal hygiene or withdraw from friends and family. Symptoms of brain fog include impaired memory, difficulty forming coherent thoughts, haziness of judgment and inability to concentrate.

What Can Cause Brain Fog?

Environmental and physiological variables might contribute to brain fog in older adults in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. There are a number of things that might cause brain fog, such as:

• Dehydration
• Improper nutrition
• Sleep issues
• Medication side effects or improper dosages
• Depression or stress
• Recent hospitalization
• Significant life changes
• Chronic medical conditions

Brain fog can happen to anyone at any age, but it happens more often in older people because of factors like aging, side effects of certain medications, having a chronic medical condition, having trouble sleeping or not getting the right nutrients in their diet.

When is It Brain Fog & When is It Dementia?

Although age-related brain fog is not a true cognitive disorder, it may be a sign of a more serious medical issue, like dementia. When it comes to symptoms, brain fog is different from dementia. While dementia gets worse over time, brain fog can be brief and go away on its own. In most cases, resolving the underlying causes of brain fog can alleviate it. However, it's important to keep an eye on your loved one's symptoms to see if you should be concerned that their brain fog is actually dementia.

Consult your loved one's physician if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Problems with solving problems and making judgments
• Personality changes and mood swings
• Trouble speaking, like slurred and stuttered speech
• Spatial awareness issues, such as problems with getting around the house and other familiar surroundings

Due to the complexity of the issue, it is recommended that you discuss brain fog with your senior's physician. Consulting a medical professional is your best choice for identifying the source of your senior's brain fog and providing them with relief. A proper diagnosis may help you get to the bottom of things and begin making changes to your health and way of life much more quickly.

Getting medical help for brain fog can help, and if your loved one has dementia, the sooner they start treatment, the more likely it is that they will be able to keep their memory and freedom.

How In-Home Care from Visiting Angels Central Coast Can Help Seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties Manage Brain Fog

The best way for seniors to cope with brain fog is to reduce stress and get back into a routine. One way you can help your loved one do this is by hiring a professional in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels Central Coast. Not only do we assist seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties with everyday tasks, but we also keep them company, encourage them to engage in activities that will benefit their overall health and keep an eye out for symptoms of brain fog. Best of all, our care plans are fully customized based on each client's needs and preferences, meaning your loved one will get the support they need when they need it most.

Visiting Angels Central Coast's professional caregivers can make your older loved one's home a safe and healthy place by:

• Helping out with everyday tasks, like making meals, getting dressed, running errands, completing light housekeeping tasks and more;
• Reminding them when it's time to take medications, get ready for appointments and anything else that's important;
• Assisting them with maintaining a consistent routine, including making sure they go to sleep and wake up at the same times;
• Providing meaningful companionship so they don't isolate themselves;
• Keeping an eye out for possible symptoms of brain fog and maintaining communication with family members when needed.

Although medical care can help with resolving underlying issues of brain fog, our approach to essential in-home care can make aging in place a more positive experience for seniors living with brain fog in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties and give families peace of mind.

Does your senior loved one regularly experience brain fog? Contact Visiting Angels Central Coast by calling 831-430-0616 or filling out our form to learn how our in-home care services can help!