I learned something very upsetting when I visited the elder law attorney yesterday.  That is:  Changes can irreparably harm cognitive functioning.

Over the past six months, as my mother and I have adapted to her progressive memory difficulties, we have had a series of home health aides in to assist with memory care.   Some have been caring and warm, but irresponsible with respect to her health needs- failing to recognize, for example, that reminding her to take her medicine “later” is not sufficient- later she will not remember.  Others have been responsible with respect to her health needs, preparing nutritious meals and assisting personal and memory care- with no affect of caring or personal interest.  Which is better?  The gestapo that keeps her healthy or the wonderful companion who makes her laugh but leaves her sick a week later because she has not had necessary medicine?  In an effort to find a home health aide memory care provider who is both caring and responsible, we have run through many.  As it turns out, the continual changes may be as bad for her long term cognition as the inadequacies in caregiving she has experienced. (more…)