For seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and those close to them, managing the emotions that come with not just the diagnosis but the many twists and turns of the disease can feel like a never-ending roller coaster. From the first shock of receiving a diagnosis to the daily struggles of controlling symptoms, it’s essential to build a strong support system, which includes Alzheimer’s home care.

Exploring the Emotions of Alzheimer’s Disease

While some might think Alzheimer’s disease is simply a physical illness, it’s important to understand that it impacts cognitive abilities, memory, and personality as well. This impact brings about confusion, worry, and frustration for seniors who are coping with their loss of independence and unclear futures. Unfortunately, these emotions also ebb and flow, which causes seniors to feel even more out of control.

Meanwhile, as they watch their loved one’s struggle, family members may feel remorse, grief, and anxiety.

Alzheimer’s Home Care Offers Empathy and Compassion

It’s critical for caregivers to realize that they frequently have no control over the actions displayed by seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s. Rather than giving in to frustration or impatience, it’s best to handle each circumstance with compassion and empathy. This gives loved ones the chance to mitigate some of the distress associated with Alzheimer’s while validating the sentiments and emotions of seniors.

Good Communication Is Key

Communication is essential when it comes to Alzheimer’s home care services. Alzheimer’s patients in their senior years may find it difficult to communicate vocally, which can cause irritation and agitation. Loved ones can assist by speaking slowly, keeping eye contact, and communicating in plain terms.

Additionally, even in situations where words are insufficient, non-verbal clues like touch and facial expressions can transmit affection and assurance.

Develop a Routine

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may experience less anxiety and confusion if they have a regular routine that gives them structure and consistency. Alzheimer’s home care can help with this by helping loved ones and seniors establish a schedule, including regular mealtimes, sleep rituals, and activities.

Also, seniors can feel more rooted and connected by participating in familiar activities like putting puzzles together, taking walks, or listening to music.

Focus on Self-Care

Taking care of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can be mentally and physically taxing. It’s critical that loved ones rely on home care agencies to take breaks when needed, which allows them some time for self-care. This could include taking a day to themselves, engaging in relaxation exercises, or joining a caregiver support group. Caregivers can help their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease more effectively if they take care of themselves as well.

Rely on Alzheimer’s Home Care for Assistance

As mentioned above, it’s critical for loved ones to understand when to seek professional assistance. Home caregivers can offer specialized Alzheimer’s care tips and tools, as well as skilled nursing to assist with things like medication management and more.

Providing care for loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease can be extremely taxing, but it can also be immensely fulfilling when following some of the tips above and relying on the resources offered by Alzheimer’s home care providers. Even in the middle of the disease’s challenges, there can be moments of happiness and connection when the correct support systems are in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Menlo Park, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400

Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.

Sources:

• https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/understanding-supporting-person-dementia-psychological-emotional-impact
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9594-alzheimers-disease-caring-for-people-with-unpredictable-behavior
• https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping-strategies-for-alzheimers-disease-caregivers

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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