Tips For Talking To A Senior Parent About Dementia
If you start to notice a senior parent having memory loss you may wonder how to bring up the subject with them. You also might worry that you’re overreacting if you immediately wonder if that memory loss could be dementia. You’re not overreacting. 1 in 10 seniors has Alzheimer’s disease or some type of dementia. According to medical experts, it’s much better for seniors if Alzheimer’s is detected early. It gives you time to consider Alzheimer’s home care services for them.
When a senior is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s early on they can start taking medication which can slow down the progression. Seniors can also start engaging in activities that will help strengthen their cognitive skills.
But, it can be very difficult to bring up the topic of memory loss and potential dementia with a senior parent. Your senior parent may not want to listen to you. They could be convinced that memory loss is just a part of aging. But it’s not.
If your senior parent is experiencing memory loss and any of these symptoms of Alzheimer’s it’s best to talk to them about seeing a doctor to get evaluated for Alzheimer’s:
- Difficulty communicating or finding words
- Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
- Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving
- Difficulty handling complex tasks
- Difficulty with planning and organizing
- Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
- Confusion and disorientation
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Inappropriate behavior
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
When it’s time to talk about it use these tips to keep the conversation helpful, kind, and productive:
Keep A Log
It will be helpful if you keep a log of all the symptoms that you’re noticing. And you can also keep a log of each incident of memory loss you see. It’s easy for seniors to brush off concerns about their memory loss. But when they see all the incidents where it occurred written down in a list it may shock them enough to make them realize it’s an actual problem.
Talk About Alzheimer’s Home Care
Now is a good time to talk about specialized Alzheimer’s home care. If your senior parent is worried that they won’t be able to stay at home if they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s you can reassure them that with Alzheimer’s home care, they can remain in their home if they want to. It may be a good idea to have someone that provides Alzheimer’s home care come to talk to your senior parent about Alzheimer’s home care and what it involves.
Let Them Know They’re Not Alone
It’s scary for seniors to imagine what life will be like if they are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Let your loved one know that they won’t have to face it alone. Reassure them that you will be there to help and take care of them no matter what.
Keep The Line Of Communication Open
It’s ok if your senior parent doesn’t want to have an in-depth discussion about Alzheimer’s and dementia now. Give them some time to process their feelings. Suggest that they get evaluated by a doctor. After that, you can sit down with them and go over the results of the evaluation together.
Sources: https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-u-s-dementia-trends/
https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/one-10-older-americans-has-dementia
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/talking-someone-about-memory-problems
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2020/handling-dementia-memory-loss.html
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care Services in Macon GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Gray, Milledgeville, Forsyth, Cochran, Jeffersonville, Eastman, Fort Valley, and the surrounding areas.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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