Caring for a parent who has Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful, challenging, and emotionally overwhelming. Even if you have the support of family and friends, you may feel isolated and depressed. Recognizing the warning signs of caregiver stress or burnout can help you get the support you need to protect your own physical and mental health and continue to be a good caregiver. Here are some tips for navigating the emotional journey of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that affects memory, cognitive functions, behavior, and physical health. As a caregiver for your parent, it’s important that you understand the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and how the disease progresses over time. Knowing what changes to expect can help you better prepare so that you aren’t as overwhelmed when they occur. Speak to your parent’s physician about their health and the changes you can expect. You should also seek information from trusted sources in books and online.
How the Disease Progresses Over Time
Alzheimer’s progresses through multiple stages, each one with its own potential symptoms and challenges. At some point, your loved one will need more care than you can provide on your own. Understanding how to recognize that time when it comes can save you from stress and heartache. Here is a basic look at the different stages of Alzheimer’s:
- Early-stage – Symptoms are mild at this stage, and your loved one may still be able to function independently. They may be able to drive, work, and take part in family and social activities. However, they may start experiencing memory lapses, confusion, and trouble concentrating. They may have trouble remembering the right word or name, performing complex tasks or routines, remembering something they just read or saw or a story they just heard, finding objects or belongings, and making plans or organizing things. At this stage, you and other family members may be able to care for your loved one on your own.
- Mid-stage – At this stage, the symptoms will be more moderate. This stage is usually the longest and can last for years. The symptoms will get more and more severe and/or more frequent the longer your loved one is in this stage. They may be forgetful of names and events, be moody or withdrawn, exhibit mood swings or personality changes, be unable to recall information, experience confusion about where they are or what day it is, need help choosing clothing or making meals, have trouble sleeping, start wandering or get lost regularly, and develop paranoia or delusions. At this stage, you may need help caring for your loved one, whether you involve other family caregivers or hire a regular in-home caregiver or respite caregiver.
- Late-stage – At this stage, your loved one’s symptoms will be severe. They may not know where they are or what year it is, who you or other family members or friends are, know how to respond to their environment or carry on a conversation, be able to walk around normally, or take care of themselves properly. They may need around-the-clock care and experience changes in physical and mental health. At this stage, your loved one may need to transition into an assisted living facility or you may need to hire 24/7 in-home caregivers that specialize in Alzheimer’s care.
Developing a Routine
People who have Alzheimer’s can greatly benefit from a consistent routine. They do better with predictability and familiarity, and it can reduce confusion, anxiety, and agitation. Speaking with a physician or an Alzheimer’s specialist can help you design a routine that works for you and your parent.
Make a daily plan or schedule of activities, including waking up, bathing, grooming, getting dressed, eating meals, taking medication, enjoying hobbies or socialization, getting recreation or exercise, doing household tasks or chores, getting ready for bed, and sleeping. Try to stick to roughly the same schedule each day.
Maintaining Effective Communication
Communicating with your parent will get more challenging as their disease progresses. Make sure you and other family members or household members are prepared for the challenges and emotional toll this will take. Do everything you can to remain patient even as you encounter difficulties in communicating. Don’t interrupt when they speak or raise your voice. Give them enough time to process information and respond. Maintain eye contact while speaking and use simple, clear language. When possible, use non-verbal cues or tools.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Your loved one needs a safe, comforting, and familiar environment. Schedule a home safety evaluation to get professional advice on how to make your home safer as your loved one’s illness progresses. Remove potential hazards and install safety features like handrails and non-slip mats.
Secure doors and windows and install an alarm system to prevent wandering. Make sure there is adequate lighting inside and outside the house at night. Consider integrating smart home devices in your home so that it’s easier to turn lights on and off, control the thermostat, open and close the window shades, and use appliances.
Engaging in Meaningful Activities
You, your parent, and the rest of your family should make an effort to engage in meaningful activities together. This can reduce everyone’s risk of isolation or loneliness, and let your loved one know that they still have support. Plan family events or join in hobbies and activities they enjoy.
Finding Support in Your Community
If you start to feel overwhelmed, seek support in your community. Talk to a professional therapist or counselor, or visit a spiritual advisor. Join a support group, either in person or online. Guidance and support from other Alzheimer’s caregivers can prevent isolation and reduce stress and anxiety.
Finding a Respite Caregiver
A respite caregiver is an in-home caregiver who comes to your home when you need a break, take a vacation, or have obligations outside of your home. They can come as often as you need them. They will provide assistance with the activities of daily living, and may also offer medication reminders, meal preparation, light housework, socialization and companionship, and transportation to medical appointments. A respite caregiver can reduce your risk of caregiver burnout and help you make time to care for your own physical, mental, and social needs.
Call Placita In Home Care for In-Home Alzheimer’s Care
At Placita In Home Care, we offer professional, compassionate in-home Alzheimer’s care in Southern Arizona. We can assist family caregivers with ongoing, regularly scheduled, or respite care and provide assistance with the activities of daily living as well as other flexible, customizable care services. We also offer assisted living placement services and in-home hospice care. To schedule a consultation for in-home Alzheimer’s care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.