When Does Mom Need a Memory Evaluation?
If you’re seeing significant memory problems, confusion, poor judgment, or difficulty navigating routines, you might wonder whether a neuropsychological evaluation is helpful. Often, families pursue this thinking it will provide a definitive answer or validate their worries — but that’s not always the case.
Sometimes, understanding a person’s condition and their unique struggles can be done without putting them through a lengthy, frustrating, and tiring testing process. Our role as care advocates is to make sure we’re honoring their dignity and focusing on their well-being, not adding unneeded stress or overwhelm.
What Is a Neuropsychological Exam?
A neuropsych exam assesses thinking, memory, and other cognitive abilities. The clinician asks questions, performs brief tasks, and assesses how a person solves problems. While helpful in some cases, these exams are not always necessary — especially if you’re already seeing clear symptoms of decline and developing a care plan to address unmet needs.
Tips to Prepare — and What to Consider
Before proceeding with a neuropsych evaluation, ask yourself:
✅ What led you here?
✅ What have you already noticed or learned about their condition?
✅ What’s your real goal in getting this evaluation?
✅ After you get the results, what will you do differently?
✅ Who needs to know the results, and why?
Sometimes, families want confirmation — a label or a piece of paper — to ease their own doubts or guilt. Perhaps we want to show them or another family member “proof” when they argue with us.
Is This Just for Insurance or Diagnosing?
Some pursue testing to aid financial or legal decisions — for long-term care coverage, for instance — or to aid in understanding progression.
Sometimes, a clinician can submit a diagnosis to your insurance without extensive testing.
Other families want to know if there might be a hereditary condition or multiple forms of dementia present — in which case, a geriatric clinician may be a helpful, less invasive option.
What Will It Be Like for My Loved One?
The process can be frustrating, tiring, and confusing. Your loved one may become annoyed and angry, and they will blame you. They will deny the results.
Our role isn’t to convince them — it’s to provide understanding, patience, dignity, and support.
What Is Your Provider Concerned About?
Your clinician may be worried about:
🚥 Falls — We have 24/7 fall-detecting technology.
💊 Medication mistakes — Our team can aid with medication management.
🚗 Unsafe driving — Our caregiver can provide transportation.
🏡 Wandering — We can add 24/7 sensors or alerts, or increase supervision.
What if After the Test, The Provider Suggests a Move?
If you don’t have a plan, be prepared for the provider to suggest your loved one moves to memory care.
This happens frequently because many providers aren’t aware that a high level of memory care can be provided safely and effectively at home — with the help of a trained care team.
When you’re forced into a decision under pressure, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating — especially if it’s not what your loved one truly wants.
We specialize in bringing memory care home — delivering care management, medication oversight, and 24/7 peace of mind in the place your family loves most.
What Matters Most?
After Receiving Cognitive Impairment Results:
✅ Improve Home Safety:
Call for a free Home Safety Evaluation from a Certified Dementia Practitioner at Home Care Partners (402-780-1211).
Consider adding grab bars, a shower bench, or a smart doorbell with alerts.
✅ Start Journaling:
Record daily routines, unusual behaviors, and patterns — then share this with their clinician.
✅ Consult Primary Care:
Consider obtaining lab work to rule out reversible contributors (vitamin abnormalities, diabetes, medication side effects).
✅ Consider a Home Care Team with Dementia Expertise:
A team can enable your loved one to safely remain at home with dignity.
Start with a few hours per day and adjust as needed — familiarity is comforting.
✅ Prepare or Update Legal and Financial Documents:
Consider adding or updating your advanced directives, financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, and POLST form.
✅ Understand Insurance Benefit Statements:
Call to learn what coverage might be available.
✅ Create a Daily Routine:
Routine helps ease confusion. Use calendars, notes, routines, or routines boards to aid memory.
✅ Organize Medications:
Consider using medication organizers and securing medication bottles.
✅ Prepare for Social Experiences:
Limit stimulus, avoid large crowds, and keep routines calm and predictable.
✅ Address Unmet Needs (P-BREATHE):
P: Pain
B: Boredom
R: Restroom
E: Exhaustion
A: Approach
T: Thirst
H: Hunger
E: Environment
✅ Consider Caregiver Support:
Create a care plan for yourself and for your family, honoring your own need for rest, peace, and renewal. Your care team will give you peace of mind that you do not have to do it alone.
❤️ We’re Here to Support You. We bring Memory Care Home.
Call for a free care consultation at 402-780-1211 (Karla Frese, Certified Dementia Practitioner) or email Karla@HomeCarePartners.com.
Together, we can enable your loved one to remain safe in their forever home — with thoughtful, quality, dedicated care.
Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.
Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.
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