What to Do When Mom Starts Forgetting Simple Things: Understanding Alzheimer's and In-Home Memory Ca
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What to Do When Mom Starts Forgetting Simple Things: Understanding Alzheimer's and In-Home Memory Care Support

Published On
January 15, 2026
It can be heartbreaking and confusing when you start noticing that Mom is forgetting simple things. Maybe she’s misplacing her keys more often, or forgetting appointments, or even struggling with tasks she used to do easily. These subtle signs can be worrying, and as family caregivers, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what steps to take next.

While forgetfulness is a part of aging for many, it could also be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. This blog will guide you through understanding the early signs of Alzheimer’s, how BrightStar Care of North Dekalb & Peachtree Corners’s memory care program can help, and how respite care for family caregivers can provide the support you need.


Understanding the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain and leads to memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior. It’s important to know the early signs so that you can take action sooner rather than later.
Here are some common early signs of Alzheimer’s that may go beyond simple forgetfulness:
  • Short-Term Memory Loss: Forgetting recent conversations, appointments, or where things were placed can be an early indicator.
  • Difficulty with Familiar Tasks: Struggling with activities she’s done for years—like cooking or managing finances—can signal cognitive decline.
  • Disorientation and Confusion: Getting lost in familiar places or forgetting where she is can be a sign that her memory is being affected.
  • Mood and Personality Changes: If Mom is suddenly more withdrawn, anxious, or frustrated, it could indicate something more than normal aging.
  • Language Problems: Difficulty finding the right words, repeating herself, or losing track of conversations can also be early symptoms of Alzheimer's.


How BrightStar Care’s Memory Care Program Helps

If you’ve noticed these signs in Mom, it’s important to act early. BrightStar Care offers a specialized memory care program designed to provide compassionate, person-centered care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Our Alzheimer’s in-home care focuses on:
  • Personalized Care Plans: We create care plans that reflect Mom’s unique needs, preferences, and interests, so she feels as comfortable and independent as possible in her own home.
  • Memory Stimulation Activities: Our caregivers engage your loved one in activities that stimulate memory and cognitive function, such as reminiscing, arts and crafts, or even listening to her favorite music.
  • Support with Daily Tasks: We help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, ensuring she remains independent but with the right support when needed.
  • Behavioral and Emotional Support: Our trained caregivers are equipped to manage common symptoms of dementia like agitation, confusion, and mood changes, making sure your loved one feels safe and cared for.
 

Why Family Caregivers Need Respite Care

As a family caregiver, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re the primary person providing care for Mom. You might feel like you’re doing everything you can, but it’s important to remember that caregiving can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

Respite care can provide much-needed relief. By temporarily transferring the caregiving duties to a professional from BrightStar Care of North Dekalb & Peachtree Corners’s you can:
  • Rest and Recharge: Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Respite care allows you to take a break and return to your role feeling more refreshed and better able to support your loved one.
  • Take Care of Yourself: Caregivers often neglect their own health and well-being. Respite care ensures you have time to exercise, eat well, and attend to your own medical appointments.
  • Maintain Family Relationships: Being a caregiver can strain family dynamics. Respite care gives you time to focus on other relationships, including with your spouse, children, and friends.


 

What to Do Next?

If you’re concerned about Mom’s memory loss or have noticed other signs of cognitive decline, don’t wait to get help. BrightStar Care of North Dekalb & Peachtree Corners’s is here to support you every step of the way. Our trained caregivers are ready to step in and provide the memory care, personal support, and respite care you need to give your loved one the best quality of life.

How to Get Started:

  • Schedule an In-Home Assessment: One of our care managers will assess Mom’s needs and create a personalized care plan.
  • Talk to Us About Respite Care: If you need support, we can set up a respite care schedule to give you regular breaks.
  • Start Memory Care Services: Once the care plan is in place, our caregivers will begin providing in-home Alzheimer’s care, helping Mom stay engaged, safe, and comfortable.
Call BrightStar Care of North Dekalb & Peachtree Corners at 770-515-8444 or visit our website to learn more about how our memory care program and respite care services can help you and your family.


Let BrightStar Care of North Dekalb & Peachtree Corners help!

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can feel like a heavy responsibility, but you don’t have to do it alone. BrightStar Care offers the support and resources you need to help Mom or Dad live with dignity and comfort, while ensuring you get the respite you deserve.

BrightStar Care of North Dekalb & Peachtree Corners is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is located at 2799 Lawrenceville Hwy Suite 102, Decatur, GA 30033. You may also call us at 770-515-8444.


FAQs:

1. What is memory care, and how does it differ from regular in-home care?

 Memory care is specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Unlike regular in-home care, which focuses on daily tasks and support, memory care involves personalized activities and approaches designed to enhance cognitive function and ensure safety for those experiencing memory loss.

2. How can BrightStar Care help if I’m concerned about my loved one’s memory loss?

 BrightStar Care offers a comprehensive memory care program, including personalized care plans, daily support, memory stimulation activities, and emotional support to help individuals with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia thrive in the comfort of their own homes.

3. Can I get help with caregiving while I take a break?

 Yes! BrightStar Care provides respite care for family caregivers. Whether you need a few hours or a longer break, our professional caregivers can step in to take care of your loved one, allowing you to rest and recharge without worrying about their safety and well-being.