There are more than 26 million people in the world who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and are suffering from some level of memory loss and confusion. While the people with the disease certainly are affected negatively, the caregivers also must deal with the stress of helping a parent who often doesn't even recognize them. People with this common form of dementia also can become quite angry and even aggressive toward caregivers.
Early-stage Alzheimer's disease often has few symptoms, if any, and it's not until you notice memory loss or perhaps changes in personality, that family members begin to suggest that person be screened. Often this is met with hostility, and many people resist seeking a medical opinion out of the great fear of hearing the diagnosis. While it's difficult to blame anyone for feeling that way, there are some treatments that can slow progression if the disease is diagnosed fairly early. Even so, people often become very angry or very depressed once they receive this news, and frequently it's loved ones who are on the receiving end of the anger.
It isn't easy, but keep in mind that their anger is absolutely not about you, but about fear and confusion. Imagine how you would feel if you lost your memory and were constantly confused and bewildered. Anxiety can be lessened to an extent by reducing the stimulus and stress surrounding the person with the disease. Make life as simple as possible with no responsibilities, and just meals and activities. Skip events where there will be too many people and too much noise, and while visiting with people is very important, limit the visits to just one or two people. Clean up the house and bedroom so that taking care of basic needs is as simple as possible.
Because those with dementia are confused, they often lose their grip on time and cannot remember many important events or even where they are or who you are. When a parent asks, "where am I and sho are you," calmly respond by saying that they are in a safe place and then distract them with promise of a meal or perhaps a walk or reading to them from a book. They might begin to insist that they have to visit a relative who already has passed away, so instead of arguing, just ask them to tell you about the person. Keep the person as comfortable as possible and you might even provide them with a specific comfort object, such as a soft pillow that they can hold when they feel tense.
Sometimes, you simply do not have room in your home or perhaps the ability to provide the level of care that your parent eventually will need. If this is the case, you might be looking for nearby eldercare options specifically suitable for those with dementia, Alzheimer's and memory issues. To find a high-quality facility that fits the budget and needs of your parent, consider going through a service such as CarePlacement.com.
Your budget will be a major factor in which type of facility that you choose. Typically assisted living homes and board & care homes are more expensive than nursing homes because these skilled nursing facilities do accept Medi-Cal while the other two options do not. At CarePlacement.com, the team of eldercare specialists will look at all of the facilities in your area that meet your needs and provide you with a list of suitable, pre-screened places to consider.
Early-stage Alzheimer's disease often has few symptoms, if any, and it's not until you notice memory loss or perhaps changes in personality, that family members begin to suggest that person be screened. Often this is met with hostility, and many people resist seeking a medical opinion out of the great fear of hearing the diagnosis. While it's difficult to blame anyone for feeling that way, there are some treatments that can slow progression if the disease is diagnosed fairly early. Even so, people often become very angry or very depressed once they receive this news, and frequently it's loved ones who are on the receiving end of the anger.
It isn't easy, but keep in mind that their anger is absolutely not about you, but about fear and confusion. Imagine how you would feel if you lost your memory and were constantly confused and bewildered. Anxiety can be lessened to an extent by reducing the stimulus and stress surrounding the person with the disease. Make life as simple as possible with no responsibilities, and just meals and activities. Skip events where there will be too many people and too much noise, and while visiting with people is very important, limit the visits to just one or two people. Clean up the house and bedroom so that taking care of basic needs is as simple as possible.
Because those with dementia are confused, they often lose their grip on time and cannot remember many important events or even where they are or who you are. When a parent asks, "where am I and sho are you," calmly respond by saying that they are in a safe place and then distract them with promise of a meal or perhaps a walk or reading to them from a book. They might begin to insist that they have to visit a relative who already has passed away, so instead of arguing, just ask them to tell you about the person. Keep the person as comfortable as possible and you might even provide them with a specific comfort object, such as a soft pillow that they can hold when they feel tense.
Sometimes, you simply do not have room in your home or perhaps the ability to provide the level of care that your parent eventually will need. If this is the case, you might be looking for nearby eldercare options specifically suitable for those with dementia, Alzheimer's and memory issues. To find a high-quality facility that fits the budget and needs of your parent, consider going through a service such as CarePlacement.com.
Your budget will be a major factor in which type of facility that you choose. Typically assisted living homes and board & care homes are more expensive than nursing homes because these skilled nursing facilities do accept Medi-Cal while the other two options do not. At CarePlacement.com, the team of eldercare specialists will look at all of the facilities in your area that meet your needs and provide you with a list of suitable, pre-screened places to consider.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. For additional details regarding assisted living San Diego facilities or for help finding board and care Solana Beach services, please go to the CarePlacement site now.
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