If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or even if it’s only minor cognitive impairment, then you, as the family member, are going to have to step in and set up systems and procedures.
Long before the actual diagnosis, you know something is wrong with your loved one. Long before the actual words are spoken, you have sensed that things just aren’t right. But if you are normal and like most busy people in today’s busy world, then it is easier to ignore the signs. Dementia and Alzheimer’s do not just appear overnight and contrary to popular belief; they are not normal signs of aging. Don’t let anyone tell you that the condition is normal: frequent and normal are two very different things.
If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or even if it’s only minor cognitive impairment, then you, as the family member, are going to have to step in and set up systems and procedures. Ideally, one would hope that our elderly loved ones would ask for assistance, but this is usually not the case. Often what happens is that one aging parent might even “cover” for another. This is really the most common scenario and if your loved one lives alone, there will be all kinds of excuses for why things are the way they are. Cognitive decline is not just physical. It is a highly charged emotional condition as well and most, who are diagnosed feel embarrassment, shame and powerless to help themselves.
For the family caregiver, the realization that your loved one’s independence is disappearing can be extremely unsettling and upsetting. For the elderly, it is equally as frightening. You need to remember that most elderly people want to remain independent as long as possible, so your charge is to figure this out, with help. How will you make this happen? How you manage this situation from the first diagnosis will set the stage for the entire journey. The Care Company encourages you to use all the information available to you on the site. Some of the things you can do to help a loved one are:
Make the home safe – When you sign up for our complimentary Ezine you receive a Complete Elder Proof the Home Scavenger Hunt. It is our gift to you.
Have a dialogue with your loved one and be open and honest about your concerns, your respect and that you need to find ways to honor their wishes. They will need assistance and you can’t do this by yourself.
Set up a support team – Honor yourself and acknowledge your limitations.
Help your loved one remember the simple things by labeling drawers, cabinets, and appliances.
Create a schedule that is easy to follow.
Help with organizing medications.
The Care Company is here to assist you in managing this difficult and challenging life stage. You will be okay and you will survive. There will be days when you don’t feel like you will, but you will be okay as long as you reach out for help.
