Cognitive Decline in Aging Parents: How to Recognize the Signs, Get Support, and Remember You’re Not Alone.

LIVE From My Sandwich Generation Facebook Group

💛 Cognitive Decline: What to Know, How to Help, and Why You’re Not Alone

If you’re starting to notice small changes in your aging parent — forgetting names, repeating stories, losing track of time — you’re not imagining it. You might be facing the early signs of cognitive decline, and I want you to know this:

You’re not alone, and there are real ways to help.

This journey can feel overwhelming and emotional, but small steps make a big difference. Here’s what I shared during my recent live about how to navigate this chapter with confidence, compassion, and care.

👂 1. Start with the basics: hearing and communication.

Hearing loss can often look like memory loss. If your parent wears hearing aids, make sure they’re tuned up.If not, get them evaluated — because the better they hear, the better they understand, connect, and participate in daily life.

💬 2. Have the conversation early.

Talk gently but directly about what you’re noticing. Avoid waiting for a crisis moment.Ask questions. Listen. Schedule doctor visits and specialist appointments early, so you can get clear on what’s happening and what support options exist.

🏡 3. Create safety and routine.

Structure is powerful.It reduces confusion, provides comfort, and helps your parent feel secure. You don’t need a full-time nurse — amazing, trustworthy helpers can be found through Care.com, local community groups, or personal recommendations.

🧠 4. Use memory aids and tools.

Small tools can make a huge difference. There are wonderful memory aids, safety devices, and home helpers (you can find many on my Amazon storefront!) that support independence and reduce stress for everyone.

💞 5. Bring comfort — not just care.

Sometimes the best medicine isn’t medicine at all. It’s hugs, soft blankets, music, familiar scents — and yes, even a stuffed animal. My mom adores her stuffed dog. It brings her peace, comfort, and connection every day.No judgment. Just love.

📚 6. Educate and support yourself.

Knowledge is power — and protection. Learn about your parent’s specific diagnosis, connect with local or online support groups (like our Sandwich Generation Community), and take advantage of local senior centers. Many offer respite programs that give your loved one a few hours of social time — and give you, the caregiver, a well-deserved break.

🤝 7. Get help — you don’t have to do this alone.

Ask for help early. Whether it’s through Care.com, a neighbor, or friends who might know someone trustworthy — support is out there.

We lucked out with our “Sally,” and she’s been such a lifeline for me. She comes four days a week for four to six hours each time, taking my mom on “field trips” or running errands to get her out and about while I’m working. She’s not a nurse — my mom only needs companionship and someone to help with meals and medication — but she’s a wonderful presence who makes both of our lives better.

The right person doesn’t have to be perfect; they just have to care. 💛

🌼 8. Remember this:

You are doing an incredible job.You are needed. You are appreciated. And even on the hardest days — you are not alone.

Caregiving through cognitive decline is one of the most heart-stretching experiences you’ll ever face, but you’re doing it with love, and that matters more than anything. 💛

📘 Need more support?

My eBook, When Roles Reverse, is your roadmap for navigating the Sandwich Generation — packed with real stories, tools, and strategies for every step of this journey.

👉 Download it at TheSandwichedGen.com/ebook or click the link in my bio.