What to expect when a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease
What to expect when a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease
Receiving the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease can be devastating for those affected and for the family members involved. There’s a grieving process that everyone goes through and oftentimes it can feel like the world is coming down on your head. We know and understand the struggle and pressure that Alzheimer’s can put on a family which is why we’ve made this guide to how you can navigate the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s.
Process
While it can feel like we’re on the brink during this period the most important thing to understand at this time is that you haven’t lost your loved one. Allow yourself time to process your emotions and to properly grieve. If this isn’t done it’s going to make the road much harder to travel. We have to remember that this is a process and that we can merely do the best we can. So give yourself the time you need to process everything because it’s easier to help others when we are of sound mind.
Acceptance
The next more important thing to remember is that your relationship is going to change. When you have accepted the diagnosis it is much easier to prepare for the future. We can start by making sure certain safeguards are in place while your loved one still has their mental faculties. Make sure their estate is in place and all documents are in order. Lastly, don’t lose yourself in the preparation. Make sure you use this time to make memories.
Learn
Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s so that you have a better understanding of what to expect. Make sure those close to your loved one are aware of what’s going on. Join groups of people that share the same struggles as you and listen to them. They might have some advice that will help you out down the road. Explore possible treatment options such as clinical studies, and ask their doctor about possible treatment options. Here at Truebinding we’re conducting a clinical trial for a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s. You can find more information here.
Understand
It’s important that we also seek to understand those that we’re caring for. We need to remember that our loved ones are still people. Yes they are going to change, but we need to make sure that we treat them with the respect and virtue that they deserve. Even though certain functions will be lost, they still have thoughts, feelings, and emotions and we need to be cognizant of that. So we need to make sure to ask them how they want to be helped and what we can do to make their lives better.
Care for Yourself
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the preparation and execution of providing care, but one of the most important steps in caregiving is caring for yourself. Providing care to your loved one can take a toll on every aspect of your life. Make sure you maintain your mental and physical wellbeing. We need to do out best to stay active and cultivate a mindset of gratitude.
Seek Help
It’s easy to get in over your head. That’s why it’s so important to know when we need to ask for help. There’s no shame in it and there are many organizations out there that specialize in providing help to those caregivers who need it. Call your local Alzheimer’s center and inquire about what your options are and what they provide. Learn about the resources in your community and most importantly remember that you are not alone.
Resources
Below are a list of resources that you may find helpful if your loved one receives a diagnosis are Alzheimer’s Disease.
Caregiving - Alzheimer's & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association
Resources for Caregivers of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (alzheimers.gov)
Advance Care Planning | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Long-Term Care | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Planning for Dementia | ACL Administration for Community Living