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Knowing the Signs of Cognitive Function Decline in a Loved One in the Orlando, Florida Area

If you have a loved one who you think may have cognitive function decline in the Orlando, Florida area, you should have them examined by their doctor. It may be necessary for them to see a neurologist. How do you know that your loved one needs to see a doctor? You can watch and see if they have cognitive function decline. 

Cognitive Function Decline

Janell Jacobs wrote an interesting article in the Clinical Advisor titled “Safety Tool Assesses Risk for Elder Abuse.” In the article, she describes the levels of cognitive decline and what to look for in your loved one. By knowing the signs of cognitive decline, you could prevent your loved one from leaving the stove burner on, getting lost on the way to the grocery store, or preventing them from being the victim of exploitation and abuse.

To differentiate, someone with full physical capacity can manage their own medication and live in their house or apartment while managing all aspects of their life. They function as anyone else does in society. They may be elderly in their eighties and nineties, but they function satisfactorily on their own. 

Mild Function Decline

When an individual has mild function decline, it may be corrected with medication or activities. They can still live in their house or apartment. However, they may need assistance with one ADL (Assisted Daily Living) activity. For example, you may think that it is no longer safe for your parent to be driving. The parent may agree to give up their driver’s license. Now, your parent would need assistance with one ADL activity of driving (i.e., transportation needs). The individual will need someone to take them to the grocery store, the pharmacy, church, and wherever else they may need to go.

Moderate Function Decline

If someone has moderate health function decline, the individual may live in a community or ALF (Assisted Living Facility). They may need assistance with some ADL activities. They may need help with paying bills, cleaning the house, cooking, or doing yard work. You may have someone come into the house a certain number of hours in a day to assist them.  

Severe Function Decline

If someone has severe health function decline, they need full time care. The person would either need to be in a SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility) or would need 24-hour in house caregivers. The individual would need help with all ADLs such as bathing, dressing, ambulating, and all the other above-mentioned ADLs. 

Again, if you see any decline in a loved one, you should have them checked by a medical doctor immediately. 

If you have more questions regarding an Elderly Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.