Being a dementia caregiver presents a series of daily challenges and joys. There’s no set of instructions that’s going to fully prepare you for everything involved in caring for your aging loved one as he or she proceeds through the different stages of the condition. However, there are some “hidden” truths that can help you develop a healthy perspective.
Education Is Essential
While Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, there are many conditions that can affect cognitive functioning. Develop a thorough understanding of the type of dementia involved by asking questions of your loved one’s doctor and doing your own research.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Mood Swings Aren’t Personal
Dementia produces changes within the brain that can affect mood. Your loved one may be perfectly fine in the morning and disagreeable and contentious by dinner. Realize such behavior isn’t likely your fault and isn’t meant as anything personal against you.
Well-Meaning Advice Will Be Given
Friends and other family members may offer well-meaning advice with no basis behind it, especially if they’ve never acted as caregivers. Accept their input, but do what you feel is best based on what you know about your loved one and his or her condition.
Emotional Detachment Is Healthy
Maintain your mental health by taking time to detach yourself from the situation without guilt. You’re not going to do yourself or your loved one any favors by constantly going over what happened each day and overanalyzing situations.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be overwhelming at times. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Rhode Island, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Nobody Wants to Be Pitied
Feeling sorry for your loved one isn’t healthy or what he or she would likely want. Instead, be empathetic and put yourself in your parent’s shoes. Use this as a guide for your daily interactions.
There’s No Shame in Asking for Help
Know your limits and recognize when you need to ask for some assistance or arrange for respite care. You’re not going to be judged on whether or not you can do everything for your loved one all the time.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Rhode Island families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (401) 284-0979 today.