Talking to Your Family About Your Senior’s Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a very personal experience, but a diagnosis of such a disease impacts far more than just your parent. When your senior is diagnosed with this progressive disease, it makes a shift in the life of everyone around them, and it is important to not only acknowledge this, but to be able to talk about it openly and comfortably. Talking to your family about your senior’s Alzheimer’s disease is a way to ensure they are kept up-to-date about your parent, are able to be more comfortable spending time with them and knowing how to act, and even to getting the support and help you need to care for your parent as they age in place. This can be a challenging and intimidating conversation, but approaching it in a straightforward way can ease your stress, and ensure your family gets the information they need.

Use these tips to help you talk to your family about your senior’s Alzheimer’s disease:

• Be honest and upfront. Alzheimer’s disease is not something to be ashamed of, either for your parent, or for you as their family caregiver. When talking about this disease with your family, be honest about the disease, the care your parent needs, and the future of their progression. You should also be honest with your immediate family about the amount of care you will need to give them, and any changes that must be made in your current life to allow for that care.
• Be straightforward. Talking about Alzheimer’s disease might be awkward, but this is not the time to sugar coat, or try to be delicate. This can confuse the situation, and can make your parent feel uncomfortable, or your family.
• Be respectful. Being honest with the family doesn’t mean discussing private details of your parent’s health, or sharing things that may be embarrassing to your loved one. Show respect when talking to your family, and honor your parent’s dignity.
• Be open about your needs. You do not have to seem “strong”, or like you can handle everything on your own. Caring for an elderly adult with Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging, and you can use all the help you can get. Be open about this need, and willing to accept the care offered to you. When asked about help, be willing to give examples and suggestions, and admit when you aren’t able to handle everything yourself.

Being a family caregiver is not just about meeting your senior’s physical needs, and helping them to overcome their challenges and limitations. This role is also about promoting the most independence and autonomy possible, and encouraging your aging parent to live the quality of life they deserve. Starting home care for your parent can be a wonderful way to show your senior you love them, and that you want them to have the best life as the age in place. The customized services of an in-home senior care services provider are specifically designed to help your parent pursue the lifestyle that is right for them, while also managing any health problems, physical challenges, and other needs they may have. This not only gives them more control over their own life, but it eases your stress, and allows you to focus more on quality time with your parent, rather than always managing care needs.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

If you are considering caregivers in Middletown, CT for your aging parent, please contact the caring staff at Franciscan Ever There Care. Call today 203-630-2881.