Five Steps for Dealing With an Uncooperative Parent with Dementia
It’s no easy task caring for an elderly parent suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Experienced family caregivers agree that one of the most common problems in dealing with a parent with Alzheimer’s or dementia is uncooperativeness. This comes in several forms, whether through disagreements about everyday tasks like eating, dressing and bathing, or even an elderly parent criticizing their children, regardless of provocation.
The lifestyle website Live Strong.com offers a five-step solution for dealing with a difficult elderly parent with dementia, adapted below.
Step 1–If possible, discuss your parents’ desires and expectations regarding their care before they develop dementia. This will help you act according to their wishes should a crises arise.
Step 2–Go over your parents’ finances to make sure the funds are available for their care needs. If they are financially unstable, take the necessary steps to apply for financial aid, or find other means to pay. Also, find out whether or not any legal arrangements have already been made. Any questions you might have can be answered by a senior care provider such as Physicians Choice Private Duty.
Step 3–Bring your parents along to family gatherings and other family duties, especially if they are living with you. LiveStrong notes that parents often become upset when they feel excluded from family outings–and who could blame them? You should also encourage your parents to contribute to their own care as much as their abilities allow. This will help them maintain self-respect when they’re asked to participate and perform tasks like chores.
Step 4–Perform a safety check of your parents’ home to help them maintain as much independence as possible. Remember, this will put less pressure on you. Many experts also suggest incorporating universal design into the home to make a living space comfortable and accessible to the entire family.
Step 5–Many seniors who are dependent on others end up being socially isolated, which leads to depression and even early death. To help alleviate this, invite friends and family to visit your parents on a regular basis.
What are some other ways that you recommend helping out with an uncooperative loved one with dementia? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments.
Physicians Choice Private Duty currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here . Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!
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