There are more than six million seniors in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s at any given time. September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month which throws a spotlight on this complicated and devastating disease and the impact it has on the families and seniors affected by it. One of the things that makes it so challenging to care for someone with Alzheimer’s is that it impacts every person differently. Finding coping mechanisms and methods for dealing with Alzheimer is a system of trial and error for every family. In-home care providers can assist you with the care of your loved one.
If you have a senior loved one that has Alzheimer’s you should know that:
The Love Is The Same
Your senior loved one will reach a point where they no longer know your name, or might not recognize your face. And that hurts. But your senior loved one still loves you, and that love is real. The excitement on your senior parent’s face when you come into the room is real. Even if they don’t know how exactly you are related to them they know they love you. Take comfort in that when things get challenging. Even when they don’t know your name they know you’re someone special.
Everyone Makes Mistakes
Caregivers are often very hard on themselves. When you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s you have to make peace with the fact that you will make mistakes. You will say the wrong things. Sometimes you will know you’re saying the wrong thing as it’s coming out of your mouth. It’s ok. It’s ok if you say things that you shouldn’t like, “Don’t you remember…?” when you know that you shouldn’t say that. Forgive yourself and move on.
You Can’t Do It Alone and Having an In-Home Care Aide Could Help
Caring for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s is brutal physically and emotionally. You can’t do it alone. If you don’t have other family members that can help hire some in-home care providers that can help you. Everyone needs a break sometimes and you may need someone to take over so that you can take a shower, go to work, run errands, or take a short vacation. In-home care providers provide respite care for you anytime you need it. Take advantage of that.
Take Videos As Well As Photos
As the Alzheimer’s progresses and your senior loved one slips further away you will want to have videos of your senior loved one as well as photos. Take random videos of your senior parent telling you that they love you, or saying your name, or reading a story to your kids. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Remember that at any given moment your senior loved one has all the cognition that they’re going to have. Capture those moments now so that when they’re gone you will have those videos to look back on. Someday having a video of your dad telling you that story you’ve heard 1000 times will be priceless. Hearing your mother say your name and telling you she loves you and knowing you will mean everything to you when your mother doesn’t know you any longer.
Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
If you or a loved one are considering In-Home Care Services near Manheim PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Lancaster. Call today at (717) 205-2174.
- Celebrating Milestones: Birthdays, Anniversaries, and New Additions! - November 28, 2023
- Symptoms Of ALS Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore - November 20, 2023
- The Best Teas For Your Senior This Fall - October 30, 2023
