When your senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s disease or another form of dementia, being designated as the primary caregiver can be a difficult task. If you follow these recommendations from the expert senior care professionals at Bethesda, caring for a senior with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s will be much easier.<\/p>\n
Dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease are subjects that many people avoid. In fact, according to a national study, more than half of people choose not to pursue an examination even when they believe something might be wrong. They fear such a diagnosis of dementia would equate to the end of their life.<\/p>\n
However, facing the possibility of dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s early is important. An\u00a0early diagnosis<\/a> means having access to treatments that can improve symptoms and slow disease progression. Also, early diagnosis provides more time for the patient and loved ones to learn about the disease, find support, and prepare for the future.<\/p>\n Dementia is a group of symptoms involving a decline in mental abilities, such as reasoning and remembering, that significantly interferes with daily life.<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, results from the loss of connections between brain cells, which eventually die. Other causes of dementia include Parkinson\u2019s disease, vascular diseases, and chronic drug use.<\/p>\n In most cases, dementia cannot be cured. There is\u00a0no cure for Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and its destruction of cells in other regions of the brain leads to failure in bodily systems which, coupled with advanced aging, are fatal.<\/p>\n When dealing with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s disease, it is important that you learn all that you can about you or your loved one\u2019s condition. There are many sources of information for caregivers and those who are living with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n Two books that can be helpful when caring for a senior with dementia:<\/p>\n For more information about dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease, there is also the\u00a0Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n As a dementia caregiver, you may feel the urge to do everything for your senior loved ones. However, it is beneficial for seniors with dementia and memory loss to feel independent and continue with any daily tasks they can manage. It is important for the senior\u2019s physical and emotional health to let them to do as much as they can for as long as they can.<\/p>\n Even if your senior loved one is not as self-sufficient as before, while caring for a senior with dementia, give them simple tasks to try on their own. A few ideas include:<\/p>\n Check out these additional\u00a0tips from the Mayo Clinic<\/a>\u00a0for dementia caregivers.<\/p>\n When caring for a senior with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s, you will need a helping hand now and again. Don\u2019t be afraid to reach out to family members and friends for help. When they ask what you need, have a list prepared. For example:<\/p>\n Even having someone sit with your loved one while you take a walk or run some errands can help you recharge and prevent burnout.<\/p>\n Visit the\u00a0Alzheimer\u2019s Association \u2013 Greater Missouri Chapter<\/a>\u00a0to discover additional support resources.<\/p>\n Serving as the caregiver of a senior with Alzheimer\u2019s or another form of dementia, especially if you are the only caregiver, can take its toll. If you are suffering from the symptoms below, seek help from a professional or reach out to your support system:<\/p>\n Caring for a senior with dementia is a hard job<\/a> no matter how special the person you\u2019re caring for is. There will be times when you will feel frustrated and sad, and that\u2019s okay. Just remember, you can\u2019t pour from an empty cup.<\/p>\n If you need assistance caring for a senior with dementia, Alzheimer\u2019s, or any form of memory loss, contact Bethesda. Our\u00a0memory support communities in the St. Louis area<\/a>\u00a0provide support to caregivers and families of seniors.<\/p>\nWhat is dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Resources for Dementia Caregivers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Step Two: Foster the Senior\u2019s Independence<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Step Three: Build a Support System<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Step Four:\u00a0Make Time for Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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