Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia—a brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, brain cells progressively die.
Parents With Alzheimer’s Disease
Symptoms usually start out mild but get worse as the disease progresses over time. Early symptoms include trouble remembering new information or recent events, disorientation to time and place, mood and behavioral changes including depression, agitation, delusions, and aggression.
Having a parent with Alzheimer’s disease is never an easy task. There are facilities that specialize in memory care which are a viable consideration, however, if you are taking care of your parent who has Alzheimer’s disease, here are some tips.
Consider Assisted Living Options
If you are taking care of your parent who has Alzheimer’s disease, there is a possibility that it may be beneficial to consider assisted living. Going into an assisted living facility can make life much easier for everyone involved. Whether it’s assisted living spring texas or Indiana, most of these facilities offer round-the-clock supervision, meals, and health care services.
There are also activities provided like crafts classes, bingo night, and music therapy which will help engage the patient in cognitive stimulation even though they have Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’re not yet ready for this step, but are feeling a bit overwhelmed, consider getting help. One great option is getting respite for caregiver burnout, which can provide much-needed relief for caregivers who need to take a step back and focus on their own wellbeing. Respite care can be used for a few hours, days, or even weeks, giving you the opportunity to rest and recharge.
Be Prepared For Changes in Behavior
When patients with Alzheimer’s disease start losing their memory, something as simple as leaving their TV on could cause them to become agitated or frustrated at home.
What is important to remember when caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease is that they still enjoy the same things as people who do not suffer from the illness, you just need to make it easier for them to understand what’s going on around them. Try to be flexible with them instead of getting frustrated with them every time something goes wrong.
Maintain Control by Managing Their Medications
Many people experience behavioral changes when taking medication so it’s important to stay on top of their medications when taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. Keep in mind that when they forget to take their medications, they may experience heightened anxiety or agitation because of the possibility that they have been neglecting an important task or responsibility.
It’s also a good idea to have a checklist with all medications and dosages on it so you can be sure not to miss anything when caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease.
Provide Structure For Your Parent With Alzheimer’s Disease
When you care for your parent who has Alzheimer’s disease it is very important that you provide them with structure. Having daily routine exercises like going on walks outside can help make things easier for everyone.
Always keep in mind that the more stable their daily routine is, the less likely they are to experience mood swings or behavioral changes.
Take Care of Yourself
Being a caregiver is exhausting. Taking care of your parent who has Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally draining. You might find yourself easily irritated and you may not have time to do the things that make you happy. It’s important to take time for yourself when caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease.
Make sure you get enough rest, eat well, and spend some quality time with family or friends that will help recharge your batteries even if it’s just a phone call every day.
Being a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is difficult and often stressful. No matter how difficult the job, however, the satisfaction you will get from knowing that you are playing such an important role in your parent’s life will make all of it worth it.
As long as you are prepared to deal with mood swings or behavioral changes that come with taking care of your parent who has Alzheimer’s disease, along with providing structure and managing their medications then caring for your parent should not be too much trouble.