When a senior parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s often their adult children are not sure what they can do to support them. It’s important to be supportive, but at the same time not try to take over or try to micromanage your senior parent’s care.
A lot of the time the best way to support a senior parent with Alzheimer’s is to get them Alzheimer’s care. Alzheimer’s care is specialty care for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Getting Alzheimer’s care for a senior parent can help them continue to live independently. Some other things that you can do to support yours senior parent after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are:
Educate Yourself
Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding its stages, symptoms, and challenges will make it easier to understand what your senior parent needs as they go through the
Alzheimer’s journey. Learning about the disease can help you anticipate your parent’s needs and respond effectively.
Communicate Openly
Maintain open and clear communication with your senior parent. Even as their cognitive abilities decline, they will still value connections. Use simple language, maintain eye contact, and speak calmly and reassuringly. Be honest about your feelings and talk to them about their future wishes so that you will have a good understanding of what they want.
Establish a Routine
A consistent daily routine can help reduce confusion and anxiety for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Maintain regular times for meals, activities, and rest to provide a sense of structure and predictability. Alzheimer’s care can help seniors establish a strong routine.
Create a Safe Environment
Modify the living environment to minimize hazards. Remove clutter, install handrails and grab bars, and secure potentially dangerous items. Label drawers and cupboards for easy identification.
Encourage Independence
While Alzheimer’s progresses, finding ways to encourage your parent’s independence is important. Break down tasks into manageable steps and provide assistance only when necessary.
Encourage Socialization
Encourage social interactions with friends, family, and support groups. These connections can provide stimulation and emotional support for both your parent and yourself.
Have Patience and Empathy
Understand that Alzheimer’s can lead to mood changes, confusion, and frustration. Practice patience, empathy, and active listening to ease your parent’s distress.
Get Respite Care
Caregiving can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from other family members, friends, or professional caregivers. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough.
Manage Their Medications
Keep track of your parent’s medications, ensuring they are taken as prescribed. Consult their healthcare provider about any concerns or changes in medication needs.
Play Brain Games
Engage your parent in activities that stimulate their cognitive abilities. Puzzles, games, music, and reminiscing can help maintain cognitive function and provide enjoyment.
Accept the Changes
Recognize that Alzheimer’s brings changes to your parent’s behavior and personality. Try to adapt to these changes rather than expecting your parent to conform to their previous self.
Celebrate Every Day
Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small. Recognizing achievements can boost your parent’s self-esteem and bring joy to both of you.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Care in Chula Vista, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aaron Home Care. (619) 880-5522
A Trusted Home Care Agency Serving La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, San Diego, UTC, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Coronado, Bonita, Eastlake and the surrounding areas.
In 1999, Aaron was named Residential Program Manager of a group home for disabled adults in Arlington, Virgina. Here, he built a reputation for being compassionate with his clients and efficient in company operations. In the years that followed, Washington DC’s human services field went through unprecedented reform when the city was fined $11 million for the previously unchecked abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the very population it was supposed to protect. In 2005, Aaron was selected by a watchdog company to co-create and implement a monitoring system to safeguard and advocate for the system’s most vulnerable residents. This system is still in use today.
Aaron is now using his unique gifts and profound experience in the human service field to provide San Diego County Seniors with dependable, compassionate caregivers through Aaron Home Care.
He currently serves on the board of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council and is an active member of the Senior Advocate Network of San Diego.
Aaron Home Care is a member of the American Board of Home Care and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
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