Forgetfulness, distractedness, and tuning out of conversations are all symptoms that may cause a senior to visit a doctor, expecting to hear they’re due to aging. However, many seniors are surprised to discover they’ve been living with undiagnosed ADHD all their lives. If your elderly family member has been exhibiting these symptoms, consider the following information.
Common ADHD Symptoms in Older Adults
The hyperactive child is what comes to most people’s minds when they think about ADHD. However, many older adults also have difficulty with procrastination or staying focused on a task. Seniors with ADHD may be chronically late to important events, forget information, and get distracted easily by noise and other interruptions. Sometimes aging adults with ADHD experience difficulty controlling their emotions, and they may recover from angry outbursts just as quickly as they began.
ADHD can have a huge impact on the ability to live independently. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Seeking an Accurate Diagnosis
An aging adult should always visit a physician to talk about his or her symptoms when they begin to interfere with quality of life. However, it’s important to note that many ADHD symptoms are similar to those caused by other health conditions. For example, a person who is experiencing forgetfulness may actually have age-related memory loss. For this reason, a doctor will often test for other disorders and evaluate a senior’s medical history before making a diagnosis.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Edmonton at-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Treatments & Management Strategies
Seniors with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy may also be used to help seniors learn how to overcome their symptoms by changing their behaviour. Lifestyle management strategies can also be used to help a person fulfill his or her responsibilities. For example, a senior who is easily distracted may choose to turn off noisy appliances before holding an important conversation.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Edmonton seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (780) 490-7337 today.