Helping Your Aging Parent Cope with the Emotions of an Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis

Senior Care in Bridgehampton NY

September is Alzheimer’s Month. This month-long observances is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about this disease and work with your aging loved one to ensure that both of you are properly prepared for the challenging journey that lies ahead. As their family caregiver you are going to go through many emotions after finding out that your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. It is important that you do not focus just on what you are feeling and thinking, but also their emotions so that you can help them cope and turn their focus toward making the most of the journey that lies ahead.

Use these tips to help you guide your parent through coping with the emotions of an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis:

• Give them time. After your parent has received their diagnosis, resist the urge to immediately jump into intense conversations with them. Give them the opportunity to work through their initial reaction and get into a position where they feel prepared to discuss the issues related to their disease. This will help to prevent overreactions and the feeling that they are being “bombarded” by you. Even when you do start a discussion with them, do not try to push too much. If they start to show that they are overwhelmed or do not want to discuss the issues any further, step back and give them a break. Let them come to terms with how they feel in their own way and on their own time.
• Let them lead the discussion. This conversation should be about how they feel about their diagnosis, not how you think that they should feel. Give them the space and the respect to lead the conversation by presenting their emotions and talking them through with you. Acknowledge what they are feeling and ensure that they know that whatever it is they are going through, you are there for them and want to help them handle it in the way that is right for them. Even when making recommendations, such as considering senior care as a way to manage their needs, allow them to discuss their thoughts and emotions openly, fully, and without your intervention.
• Do not belittle them. It is easy when you hear that your aging loved one has Alzheimer’s disease to immediately think of them as being far progressed in the disease and suffering from extensive cognitive decline. This, however, is not likely the case. Your parent is most likely in the early stages of the disease, which means that their cognitive decline is minimal at this point. This means that they are still more than capable of carrying a conversation with you, understanding what is happening, and working with you to create care and treatment plans. When discussing this disease with your parent, continue to treat them with the same level of respect and dignity that you always have. This will not only keep them feeling relevant and loved, but it will give them a sense of capability to get in touch with their emotions and work through them on their time.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in Bridgehampton, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.