Memory Concerns and Caregiver Support
When memory changes appear — in yourself or someone you love — the first need is clarity, and the second is support. Rehabilitation psychology offers both: neurocognitive evaluation to understand what’s happening, and ongoing psychological support for individuals in early stages and for the family members who carry the caregiving load.
When to seek an evaluation
Occasional forgetfulness is normal at every age. Patterns worth evaluating include: repeating questions, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty managing finances or medications that were previously routine, personality changes, and withdrawal from activities. A neurocognitive evaluation assesses memory, attention, language, and reasoning; distinguishes normal aging from mild cognitive impairment and dementia; and can also identify treatable contributors such as depression, which commonly mimics memory problems in older adults.
Support in early stages
A diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia raises hard emotions — fear, grief, frustration — and hard questions about the future. Therapy in early stages focuses on adjustment, maintaining autonomy and meaningful activity, planning while planning is possible, and communicating with family.
Support for caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia is one of the most demanding roles a person can hold. Caregivers show elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and health problems of their own — and often feel guilty seeking help. Caregiver-focused sessions address burnout, grief for the person as they were, difficult behaviors and how to respond, family conflict over care decisions, and sustaining your own life alongside caregiving.
Telehealth across Washington and PSYPACT states
All services are provided by secure telehealth to adults located in Washington State or a PSYPACT-member state — which means caregivers can attend sessions without arranging coverage to leave home.
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