The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2025, which is around 11% of the senior population. It was the 6th-leading cause of death among those 65 and older in 2022, so we must be proactive in prolonging our loved ones’ lives.
The fact is that impaired judgment from Alzheimer’s and dementia can put seniors in danger, so we must help our older loved ones make things safer. This starts with detecting signs of Alzheimer’s and taking the proper steps to safeguard the elderly.
Read on to see how you can detect signs of impaired judgment in seniors in Covington, LA, and what you can do to help protect your loved one.
Senior Cognitive Health and Signs of Impaired Judgment
Cognitive health is how well you can think clearly, learn, and remember. Most seniors maintain strong cognitive abilities well into old age, but others experience decline. In turn, this affects how they process information and respond to everyday situations.
With normal aging, you might see:
- Mild forgetfulness
- Slower reaction times
- Occasionally misplacing items
However, impaired judgment goes beyond forgetfulness. Older adults may be unable to assess risks or make safe choices, and this can lead to unsafe behaviors.
If you’ve noticed consistent lapses in judgment, this may signal a deeper issue. In this case, you should encourage open conversations by gently asking about their thought process when you see questionable decisions.
If things are bad enough, seek professional input and practice healthy aging awareness. Doctors and neurologists can evaluate cognitive health and provide clarity.
How Impaired Judgment Impacts Seniors
Dementia and decision-making are closely linked, and unfortunately, the further dementia progresses, the worse your loved one’s decision-making will be.
Increased Risk of Accidents
It’s very likely that a senior with impaired judgment will underestimate risks or fail to recognize hazards. Examples include:
- Forgetting to turn the stove off after cooking
- Misjudging traffic speed when crossing the street
- Attempting tasks they no longer have the strength or balance to do safely
Financial Vulnerability
Older adults with dementia may also be vulnerable to scams, fraud, or risky financial choices. If you’ve noticed your loved one doing the following, then it may be that they’re experiencing cognitive decline:
- Giving away money to strangers or telemarketers
- Forgetting bills or paying them multiple times
- Making unwise purchases or investments
Poor Medication Management
It can be difficult to remember prescriptions, dosages, and timing when you’re going through cognitive decline. This can lead to your beloved senior skipping doses or accidentally doubling up on medications. They may even mix medications incorrectly.
Decline in Home and Personal Safety
Another unfortunate consequence of cognitive decline is that judgment issues can affect seniors’ daily routines. They might:
- Forget to lock the doors or windows
- Leave appliances running
- Ignore unsafe conditions (e.g., cluttered floors, spills, or poor lighting)
Driving Risks
Many seniors believe that they’re still safe behind the wheel, even when they have a slowed reaction time, worsening vision, and compromised decision-making skills. You might notice them:
- Being confused at intersections
- Missing traffic signs
- Having delayed responses to hazards
Ways You Can Support Your Beloved Senior in Daily Living
All of the above may sound scary, but there are many ways you can support your loved one. It requires a balance of safety, independence, and dignity through these key strategies.
Create a Safe Home Environment
One of our top Alzheimer’s safety tips is to think in terms of prevention over correction. If you set up safeguards in advance, then you reduce risks without putting constant pressure on your loved one.
You can help create a safe home environment by:
- Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home
- Using automatic shut-off appliances for cooking or heating
- Adding grab bars in the bathrooms and ensuring adequate lighting
- Clearing clutter and removing tripping hazards
Establish Routines and Gentle Reminders
Predictability supports memory and decision-making, and it’s excellent for brain health in seniors.
First, help structure consistent daily schedules for meals, medications, and activities. You can use calendars, sticky notes, or digital reminders to help enforce these daily schedules.
To encourage good habits and reduce frustration, place frequently used items in the same location daily.
Support Medication Safety
To help your loved one avoid medication mistakes, do the following:
- Organize medications in labeled pillboxes or use automatic dispensers
- Set phone alerts to remind them when it’s time for doses
- Regularly review prescriptions with their doctor
Help With Financial Protection
Help your senior simplify life and support them by suggesting these steps:
- Using direct deposit instead of checks
- Setting up automatic bill pay
- Registering their phone number on the national “Do Not Call” list
You should also monitor their bank account for unusual transactions, if they allow it.
Encourage Social Engagement
If your loved one feels embarrassed by their cognitive mistakes, then they might isolate themselves. However, this can have a detrimental effect on their mental and cognitive health, so encourage them to get social engagement.
You should also check in with them regularly to reduce loneliness and maintain trust.
Plan Ahead for Emergencies
As your beloved senior experiences more cognitive decline, the chances of emergencies happening will increase. Plan ahead by keeping an updated list of:
- Medications
- Doctors
- Emergency contacts
Get a spare key or a lockbox so you and other family members can enter the senior’s home quickly if needed. And teach your loved one how and when to use emergency alert systems, or have them use wearable medical devices.
Support Your Loved One Without Overstepping
If your loved one is experiencing impaired judgment, the way to help is striking a balance between safety and independence.
But if things are getting too complicated for you to handle alone, don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Your elderly loved one may benefit from memory care, where trained staff can look after your senior and provide them with the support they need.
Would you like more information on memory care in Covington, LA? Then get in touch with us today. The SHINE® Memory Care program at The Trace has earned a National Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association.
