Revisiting Alzheimer's Care: Accepting the Reality

It can be hard to accept when your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease—for you and for them. Even if your loved one is the first person to notice the symptoms of the disease, they may be first to deny it. With Alzheimer’s comes a fear of losing an independent lifestyle, and it’s understandable if your loved one tries not to accept it. However, both you and your mom or dad should be fully involved in medical decisions about the progression of their disease, which means accepting and understanding the diagnosis. Timelines are not engraved in stone, and Alzheimer’s care can include everything from preparation through the end of life.

In the beginning, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may manifest only as minimal memory loss. Initially, your parent’s long term memory may be very much intact while short-term memory is compromised. A trip to the grocery store might be delayed when they can’t remember their parking spot, or they may forget to eat meals. Your loved one may remain at this stage and adjust well to short-term solutions such as cognition-enhancing medication and light Alzheimer’s care from family members.

As the disease progresses further, it can go beyond memory loss and dedicated Alzheimer’s care may become necessary. If your parent has been part of the process, they will be less likely to resist assistance. Both the caregiver(s) and your mother or father will spend time on this journey together, and a professional caregiver will best understand what your mom or dad requires. Caregivers can your loved one with their day-to-day needs, avoid common complications such as sundown syndrome, and handle anxiety or confusion.

Addressing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s is crucial, because the disease doesn’t go away and there is no cure. However, accepting the diagnosis and preparing early can give your loved one with a better quality of life overall.

Visiting Angels of Auburn, NH provides in home care services to families in Auburn, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Dunbarton, Londonderry, Raymond, Salem, Manchester, Hooksett, Bedford, Suncook, Weare, Concord, Bow, Atkinson, Deerfield, Sandown, Hampstead, Chester, Fremont, Allenstown, Pembroke, Hopkinton, Danville, and other areas around Auburn, New Hampshire.