DEALING WITH DEMENTIA

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When a loved one is dealing with dementia it is often very difficult for family caregivers to manage the disease.  Alzheimer’s and dementia are complicated neurological disorders. Each patient and each family deal with the effects of the disease differently as it presents itself and evolves.  

It can be overwhelming for families who have a loved one that has been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  It is important to understand the needs of your loved one who is suffering with the disease so you are able to support their needs along the way.  

Take time to learn about the disease.  Knowledge is power. The more you understand the disease the better prepared you will be for the challenges and outcomes you may have to face.  Joining a support group with other family caregivers will offer additional support, but it is also a smart way to be proactive and prepare yourself by listening to the experiences and stories of other family caregivers.   

Alzheimer’s and dementia can often times lead to physical side effects.  Your loved one might have trouble communicating, and at times be totally unaware that something is even wrong.  The challenges of dementia can be very frustrating for the patient and caregiver alike. It can feel upsetting when a family caregiver is mistaken for someone else or your loved one forgets who you are.  It is important to remember not to react and take your loved one’s loss of memory personally. It is understandable to feel offended, frustrated and even depressed when you are a family caregiver to a loved one dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but it is crucial to remind yourself that they are not doing it to hurt you.  You can only control the way you react, you cannot control the disease.

There are many ways to help make the circumstances of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia less stressful.  It is good to note that when it comes to communicating with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you might not always get the answer you are looking for.  Instead of looking for a detailed response or memory, ask simple and easy to understand questions that require a yes or no answer. Keep the conversation on the surface level with easy interests and simple topics.  You will find you and your loved communicating with less stress and more comfort.

When you are a caregiver to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you must remind yourself that you are doing the best you can.  It is important to ask for help from a home care nurse Boynton Beach, FL relies on when you need it.  Take time for yourself so you avoid caregiver burnout and so you are able to continue to care for your loved one dealing with the disease.  Relax, exercise, meditate, take a break. Remind yourself that even the darkest moments contain beauty, and with education, support, and forgiveness you will be able to deal with the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia.   

Thanks to Expicare Nursing Agency for their insight into patients with dementia.