December 26, 2016
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, you may have noticed changes in their behavior. Due to the nature of these diseases, the range of differences can be anywhere from very subtle things to seemingly unprovoked outbursts. Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia takes a lot of patience, compassion, and most importantly, an understanding of why the person you have known all your life is not acting like themselves anymore. Here are some tips for family members and caregivers of those suffering from these illnesses.
It’s Not You, It’s the Disease
The first thing to remember when mom or dad acts in a peculiar way is that it’s not you or even them; it is their disease. Much is still unknown about exactly how Alzheimer’s or Dementia affects the brain, but people with the disease can exhibit odd or unpredictable behaviors. These diseases progress through stages and sometimes having an idea of what might come up on a day-to-day basis can help you be prepared.
Research the Disease and Join a Support Group
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Even if you are not the only one looking after an ill family member or friend, it’s not a bad idea to keep up on the medical and scientific community’s research findings. It’s also not a bad idea to reach out to fellow caregivers to share stories, care strategies, and advice. Sometimes just knowing that someone else is going through similar experiences gives us the strength to keep going.
It’s Ok to Take a Minute
People with an illness that affects the brain can exhibit unexpected mood swings, confusion, and even verbal and physical outbursts. As a caregiver, it is perfectly acceptable – and sometimes necessary – for you to get some space when you need it. This is especially true if staying in the immediate area is not physically safe for you or your loved one. Give them a few minutes to calm down, then go back and try again.
Take Time to Take Care of Yourself, Too
No matter how much loving care you provide, it will not be beneficial if you don’t take time for yourself to recuperate and recharge. Being tired and emotionally drained will eventually take its toll on you and your ability to provide support for mom or dad. Even if it is just a few minutes of meditation every morning or getting some coffee with friends a couple times a week – the better you take care of yourself, the better off you’ll all be. If you need more than a few minutes to yourself, that’s ok too. There are companies that specialize in respite care – giving you a much-needed break for days, weeks, or even a month at a time.
Get Help When You Need It
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia is not easy. A lot of family caregivers get the impression that this is a role that they must do by themselves and believe that if they can’t handle it, they have failed somehow. This is not true! It is perfectly acceptable – and recommended – to call in reinforcements, especially if you are feeling drained. There are professionals out there trained in providing care for people with these diseases and they have a number of care options available to help you. They can even come to mom or dad’s house to help out, giving you a few hours off here and there, or even an entire week so you can take a break. The resources are out there, you just have to know where to start looking.
Asking for Help Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
The Staff at The Elder Care Firm help families affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia with estate planning, protecting mom and dad’s assets from long-term care costs, and giving them a general peace of mind that they are doing the best they can for their loved ones. If you have any questions about how we can help your family, contact us today or download one of our free reports for caregivers.Get Your Free
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