It’s difficult to be a family caregiver for a senior parent under any circumstances. But it can be particularly hard when your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s. As the Alzheimer’s progresses, it can be difficult for family caregivers to cope with symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Personality changes and reduced capacity to participate in their own care make caregiving difficult. There are some things, however, that you can do as a family caregiver to make it easier for yourself and your senior loved one. According to experts in Alzheimer’s and dementia, family caregivers should:
Educate Yourself
One of the problems that family caregivers face is that strategies and methods that work for one senior won’t work on another. Ultimately, every senior with Alzheimer’s experiences it differently. But family caregivers should read books, watch videos, and learn all they can about different ways to approach common issues. Then, they always have new things they can try if something that they’re doing is not working.
Get Alzheimer’s Home Care For Your Senior Loved One
Alzheimer’s home care from a trained care provider is a lifeline for family caregivers. Alzheimer’s home care is designed to meet the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s. Likewise, an Alzheimer’s home care provider can help you learn new tools to help you provide care for your senior parent. You can also take time off for yourself when you know that your senior loved one is safe. Knowing they are getting care from someone with experience and training certainly brings peace of mind.
Stay Organized
When you have a senior parent with Alzheimer’s keeping all their medical records, medications, and other information organized is important. Because you will need to refer to it frequently. Keeping all your senior parent’s information organized in a binder will allow you or a professional care provider to find information quickly. Make sure you keep a copy of the binder in your hospital-ready bag. Then, you will have it with you if your senior loved one unexpectedly needs to go to the hospital.
Join A Support Group
Caregiver burnout is something that happens often to many caregivers. This is especially true for caregivers caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s. It’s hard to watch your senior parent get sicker. Likewise, there are many feelings to process about being with them as their condition gets worse.
A support group full of family caregivers going through the same things you are is a fantastic resource. One that will help you lower your stress levels and lower your risk of developing anxiety or depression. An Alzheimer’s home care provider can stay with your senior loved one, so you can go to a support group a few times during the week. There you can process everything that you’re going through.
Providing exceptional Alzheimer’s Home Care for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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