A senior who has just found out that they have Alzheimer’s disease is likely to go through a wide range of emotions as they process the reality of the situation and start looking ahead to the journey that they are now on. These emotions can be very difficult for them and if they are not handled properly can be detrimental to their health and well-being, and even their management of their disease. As their family caregiver, you can make a tremendous difference by helping your parent cope with their emotions during the early stage of their disease and encourage them to work through them in healthy, constructive ways so that they can move forward.
Use these tips to help your senior cope with their emotions during the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease:
• Acknowledge that they are going through these emotions and encourage your parent to own and work through them.
• Reassure them that their emotions and reactions are normal, and that they have the right to these emotions so that they do not feel embarrassed or ashamed, or try to hide them.
• Tell them what you are going through so that they know that they are not alone and that the two of you are working through this together.
• Find solutions that address their emotions in ways that work for them. For example, if they fear losing connection with the family, start scrapbooking and writing out their life story so that you can share it with the family later.
• Seek out a support group that specializes in people with dementia so that both of you can find emotional support, guidance, and advice.
• Commit to maintaining your relationship and staying focused on your parent-child bond rather than just thinking about your increased caregiver responsibilities
How can homecare services help?
Starting home care for your elderly parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them. As their family caregiver, you are responsible for helping them to live the highest quality of life possible throughout their later years, and an in-home senior care services provider can help you accomplish that goal.
Through a highly personalized set of services, this care provider can step in to supplement the care that you already give your parent, filling care gaps, providing transportation, and just being there to act as a companion and source of mental and emotional support. This can ensure that your parent’s needs are met in the way that is right for them, while also helping them to stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and as fulfilled and independent as possible as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering homecare in Berkeley, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
Source:
https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-early-mild-stage-caregiving.asp
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