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Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia, impact the entire family. When a senior loved one is diagnosed with a condition that causes memory impairment, it can take patience and understanding to keep them safe and engaged. Alzheimer’s and other related diseases often cause changes ranging from difficulty with abstract thought to agitation and anxiety. One challenge many families experience is that the person living with the disease doesn’t realize anything is wrong with them.
When a senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, creating a care plan that meets their current and future needs, is an important step. Primary care doctors typically recommend families explore local home care agencies and memory care programs before a crisis occurs so they are not forced to do so under stress.
When you are the caregiver for a family member who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, one goal you might have is to help them feel productive and empowered. As the disease robs people of their abilities, it can be a challenge for loved ones to find ways to protect their self-esteem.
When a senior in your family has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, finding ways to safely provide them with the quality of life they deserve can be challenging. Memory loss, for example, might leave you struggling to come up with meaningful activities for them to enjoy throughout the day. Decreased verbal skills can cause you to worry if you are meeting their physical and emotional needs.
Art makes the world better. From the enjoyment that comes from looking at a watercolor painting to creating your own work of art, creativity has a variety of health benefits. Research also shows that engaging in the creative arts improves the lives of adults with dementia.
We often think of exercise as a way to ward off medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even depression. But researchers say that physical activity may also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Caregiving for a senior with Alzheimer’s brings many unique challenges. One of which is how to respond when your loved one repeatedly says the phrase “I want to go home.” In many cases, they are already home. Because they have memory loss, however, the environment no longer seems familiar to them.
The emotional side of witnessing a senior struggle with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult. It often leaves family members and friends feeling powerless to find ways to offer support. If you find yourself in this situation, one avenue to consider is becoming an advocate in the search for treatment options and, eventually, a cure for Alzheimer’s.