If your senior parent was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you probably have a lot of questions about what to do next. After learning that your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s a lot of family caregivers don’t really know what to do to help their senior parent.
The first thing to do is take some deep breaths. It’s difficult to take in that kind of diagnosis. Give yourself some time to process it. But then, start taking steps to help your mom or dad hang onto their cognitive skills.
If you can’t be with your mom or dad every day because you have children or a job or both you should consider Alzheimer’s home care for your mom or dad. Alzheimer’s home care is designed to meet the unique needs of seniors who have Alzheimer’s.
In addition to getting help with things like household chores, making meals, shopping, and transportation to appointments, your mom or dad will get one-on-one care designed for people with dementia.
A caregiver that provides Alzheimer’s home care has experience and training so they can help your mom or dad keep their brain healthy as long as possible. A care provider will help your mom or dad by playing games with them, engaging in activities that stimulate cognitive reasoning, and making sure they are eating healthy meals and getting enough sleep.
A care provider can also help you deal with some of the changes that you may notice in your mom or dad like:
Memory Loss and Confusion
You will probably have noticed memory loss and confusion before your mom or dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But, you may notice that the confusion gets worse. Your parent might begin forgetting recent events, appointments, or conversations.
They may repeatedly ask the same questions or lose items more frequently. Over time, this can lead to confusion, especially in unfamiliar settings or situations. As the disease progresses, they may struggle to recognize familiar faces or places, which can be upsetting for both of you.
Difficulty Completing Everyday Tasks
Your parent might find it harder to complete tasks they once managed easily. For example, they may forget how to cook a familiar recipe, pay bills, or use household appliances. Alzheimer’s home care can help them throughout the day as they try to do everyday tasks.
Multistep tasks, like planning an outing or following a set of directions, can become particularly challenging. They may also need more time to complete simple activities as their cognitive abilities decline.
Changes in Mood and Behavior
Alzheimer’s can cause mood swings and behavioral changes. Your parent might become more irritable, anxious, or depressed. They may also have outbursts of anger or frustration, especially when they’re confused or overwhelmed.
On the flip side, some individuals may appear more withdrawn or uninterested in activities they used to enjoy. These emotional shifts are a result of how the disease impacts the brain.
Communication Challenges
As Alzheimer’s progresses, your parent might have trouble finding the right words or following conversations. They could pause frequently, repeat themselves, or struggle to understand what others are saying.
This can make social interactions more difficult and may cause them to withdraw from conversations. Patience and clear, simple communication can help ease these challenges.
Poor Judgment and Decision-Making
You might notice your parent making decisions that seem out of character or risky. Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s ability to process information and weigh consequences. For example, they might spend money on unnecessary items, fall for scams, or forget to dress appropriately for the weather. Keeping an eye on their financial and personal safety can help prevent problems.
