Alzheimer’s Care: Navigating Anger in Seniors with Alzheimer’s
How Do You Deal with the Constant Anger from a Parent with Alzheimer’s?
A lot of symptoms can be part of the Alzheimer’s universe. When an aging loved one -be it a parent, spouse, friend, neighbor, sibling, or someone else you know so well- is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you’ll likely go through a period of shock, denial, sadness, and other emotions.
In the beginning it will appear as though they won’t need a great deal of assistance, other than gentle reminders here and there. In time, though, that will change. While the general progression of the disease will be similar from one person to the next, everyone will go through it in their own unique way.
Alzheimer’s Care: Senior Anger in Cascade, MI
What to expect as the stages of Alzheimer’s progress?
At first, memory loss that begins to impact daily life will be the most notable sign or symptom of Alzheimer’s. It could be as simple as forgetting something on the stove, struggling to recall a conversation they just had, or straining to keep track of birthdates, for example.
As the months roll into years, confusion will increase and along with that, frustration and anxiety. Given enough time, even the most calm, rational people in the world can become easily agitated.
Your gentle mother might begin swearing like a sailor, catching you all by complete surprise. She may even begin taking her frustrations out of you and the rest of the family. This is where you’ll need to seriously consider some form of senior home care.
Why Alzheimer’s care at home?
Most elderly men and women would prefer to remain home as the end of their days approach. They don’t tend to want to be in a facility. They desire to remain surrounded by friends, family, and the comforts of home, especially if they’ve been in the same place for years.
Senior Alzheimer’s Care at home allows them that option. With this form of Alzheimer’s care, an experienced in-home care aide -most likely someone who has worked with other seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s or other types of memory-related challenges- would stop by the senior’s house to assist however they are needed. This may mean preparing meals, assisting with toileting, or simply companionship.
Companionship can be crucial for a senior with Alzheimer’s.
It’s easy to dismiss the notion of senior Alzheimer’s care for companionship, but in most cases, in home care aides do a lot more than merely spend quality time with their clients, but it’s important not to get caught up in the idea that this is wasted.
Sure, family and friends can spend time with their aging loved ones as they deal with Alzheimer’s, too, but how much time? Most people have other responsibilities, including raising children, jobs, and much more.
An experienced Alzheimer’s care aide could encourage mental activity, which stimulates the brain and can be effective as slowing the progression of memory loss for a time (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation).
But when you’re constantly on the receiving end of anger from an aging parent with Alzheimer’s, senior Alzheimer’s Care can act as a buffer, absorbing some of that harsh emotion, leaving you more mental and even physical energy to simply be there for them, not as their caregiver, but as their loved one. During this time of life, nothing is more important.
If you or someone you know needs help with Alzheimer’s Care in Cascade, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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