Imagine receiving the news that you are about to become the sole caregiver for your aging parent diagnosed Alzheimer's disease. Your parent has become unable to care for themselves and now needs your help. Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's can be very stressful. A new caregiver may feel unprepared and anxious about taking on such responsibilities. They may even feel as if they are in this tough situation alone. Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease can be less stressful and challenging if other family members are able to help.
Here are some helpful tips to involve the whole family in the caregiving process:
- Ask for your family's help as soon as you realize you need the help. Do not wait until you are overwhelmed.
- Let family members know the extent of the help you need. Keeping them up to date on information about your loved one allows the whole family to be a part of the caring.
- If family members live a distance away from the aging parent they may still be able to help. For example, they could be in charge of paying bills or setting up medical appointments.
- Create a list of necessary duties and decide which family member should be responsible for the task. As the situation changes and the disease progresses meet regularly as a family to discuss any needed changes. Reassign or add the necessary tasks.
The home environment may pose possible safety hazards for someone with dementia who is restless and wandering. One of the main concerns for family members should be the safety of the loved one. Here are some quick tips to create a safe environment and foster involvement in meaningful activities:
- Adapt surroundings to encourage activities In the living room, are there things to do such as looking at picture books or favorite magazines?
- Provide a place to rest in each room.
- Simplify activities A person with dementia may not be able to knit or crochet, but perhaps they can roll yarn into a ball from the skein.
- Modify the home for changes in sight Create an even level of light, installing special lighting such as night lights where needed. Diffuse bright light and use different contrasting colors to identify walking areas or objects.
- Limit access to potentially dangerous places, objects and substances Lock or disguise hazardous areas, install locks out of sight, and use special safety devices to limit use of certain appliances and equipment. Be aware of items and chemicals that might be mistaken for food or drink and secure sharp knives and tools.
Making the care giving experience a family affair also allows caregivers time for their own personal interests. Caregivers will feel supported and able to continue living their own life to the fullest.
There may come a time when your parent's medical needs are too complex to be cared for at home. There are many factors to consider and questions to ask when deciding the best option for your parent?s living arrangements. If you are not sure if its time to select a nursing home, ask yourself a few questions:
- Is my loved one safe?
- Has he/she left the house alone and/or gotten lost?
- Is the health of my family member at risk?
- Is my health as a caregiver at risk?
- Does the person need more care than I am able to give right now?
- Have I exhausted the financial resources needed for paid caregiver support in the home?
An educated caregiver may be able to keep an aging parent at home up to a year and a half longer than an uneducated caregiver. Call us for help at (317) 218-5111.
