Alzheimer’s is a challenging disease. It’s progressive and there’s no cure. When a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it brings fear and uncertainty to the surface. In addition to the stress of watching your parent’s decline, fear of also getting the disease sets in. As you experience the changes with your mom and dad, you worry about your own children going through this.
It’s not always going to be easy. Some days are better than others.
There will be days where your mom or dad forgets who you are. Your parent may become fearful and react by lashing out. There will be days when you hear stories you’ve never heard before. You’ll get to relive the past with your parent. There are things you can do to handle the changes Alzheimer’s brings.
Record Stories
When your mom or dad is sharing stories of the past, record it. You can transcribe the stories later to an online journal you can share with siblings. Get them to do the same. Sites like Google Drive allow multiple people to work on a document. Years later, you’ll have these stories for future generations to enjoy.
You can often get your parent talking about the past by going through old photos. While going through them, you can make a note of which seem to mean the most. Create a collage with the important photos that can be hung in a visible area. As the disease progresses, the family home may not feel like home, but photos can make it more familiar.
Attend Doctor’s Appointments
Attend any of the appointments your mom or dad has with a memory care doctor. While your parent’s general practitioner will have good advice, a visit with the neurologist will give you far more information on your parent’s symptoms and progression.
If you can’t aim for a doctor that allows you to ask questions when you mom or dad isn’t in the room. The best visit is usually set up so that your parent has 20 minutes alone with the doctor, you get 20 minutes alone with the doctor, and the remaining 20 minutes are spent together discussing concerns and questions you all have.
Don’t Ignore “Me Time”
If you’re caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s, you cannot ignore your own needs. You need to spend time with friends and family members. You need to see your doctor and dentist regularly. You need your own “me time.” Arrange a few hours to yourself where you do anything that helps you relax and unwind. Make sure that can happen.
Respite care service is an elderly care option that gives you a break. You step away to refresh and let a caregiver help your mom or dad out while you’re away. It can be a weekly elderly care service or something you arrange each day. Make sure you are taking that much-needed break and hire caregivers.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Homecare in Lafayette, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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