Preparing Yourself for the Increased Dependence of a Senior with Alzheimer’s Disease
Home Care in Vienna VA
When you made the decision to become a family caregiver for an elderly adult with Alzheimer’s disease, you knew that it would be challenging. You knew that it would mean a care journey that 
include needing to handle a variety of symptoms and behaviors that were unlike those of the parent that you grew up with, and that it would be your responsibility to help your parent to maintain their highest degree of health, safety, happiness, and comfort as they aged in place. What you might not have prepared yourself for was how rapidly these needs can change and how attentive you have to be to these changes so that you can address them in the way that is right for them.
The increased dependence of a senior with Alzheimer’s disease can be shocking. At the beginning of the progression with the disease their symptoms are likely subtle and mild. You may feel as though you only need to offer them limited intervention to help them handle their daily needs. As the disease progresses, however, you will likely notice that they are needing more and more help, requiring more and more of your attention. This can be stressful and lead to you feeling overwhelmed. Preparing for this ramping up of dependence early in your experience with your parent allows you to feel more confident in your ability to manage these increased needs as they arise.
Use these tips to help you prepare yourself for the increased dependence of a senior with Alzheimer’s disease:
- Consider home care. Being the caregiver for an elderly adult with Alzheimer’s disease is extremely stressful, and in the later stages of the disease the demands are more than one person can handle on their own. An in-home senior care services provider can step in to take on some of the demands of the care needs so that you can also take care of yourself. Starting this care early in the progression allows your parent to get accustomed to this care provider and for the two of them to work together to create a personalized care approach that they can maintain largely throughout the rest of their progression.
- Record their thoughts. As early in the progression as possible, talk to your parent about their feelings regarding care, treatment, and end-of-life considerations. This will help you to make the decisions that are right for your parent as these issues arise, even if your parent is no longer able to express these thoughts. During this conversation you should ask them about issues such as whether they would want to transition into living in your home, if they are interested in hospice care, and how to manage serious health decisions later in their life.
- Establish a support system. You will need support and encouragement as you care for your aging parent. This support will help to safeguard your mental and emotional health, prevent burnout, and give you the skills you need to care for your parent in the best way possible. Seek out a support group designed specifically for caregivers for elderly adults with Alzheimer’s disease so that you can learn and gain support from those who have experienced many of the same things that you have. Also reach out to your partner, your friends, and your family members so that they understand how valuable their support and love are to you, and how much you will need it moving forward in your care experience.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Vienna, VA, call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. 703-273-8818
Source: http://www.alzfdn.org/AboutAlzheimers/statistics.html
Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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