February 2, 2024
The one thing that you can count on if you’re taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s is that you’re going to make mistakes. Alzheimer’s is a difficult condition and it impacts every senior differently so things that work for other caregivers may not work for you.
Don’t get upset when you make a mistake. It’s going to happen. But, you can do some things to mitigate both the mistakes and the damage they cause. One thing that you can do is get Alzheimer’s care at home for your senior parent. Having professional Alzheimer’s care at home for your senior parent takes some of the responsibility off of you. You can relax and reset knowing your senior parent is getting the high-quality compassionate care they need.
While your senior parent is getting professional Alzheimer’s care at home you can focus on figuring out how to avoid these common mistakes family caregivers make when caring for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s:
Caregivers often make the mistake of attempting to handle everything on their own. Caring for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s is emotionally and physically demanding. If you have kids, work, and other responsibilities it can be extremely difficult to care for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s on top of that. Alzheimer’s care at home for seniors is a great way to get the support you and your senior parent need.
Even though taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s can be consuming you need to make time to take care of your own health and needs. Respite care provided by Alzheimer’s care at home gives family caregivers the chance to take vacations, go to medical appointments, or just take a day or two off to relax when needed.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and caregivers may make the mistake of not adapting to the changing needs of their seniors parent. What worked in the early stages may not be suitable as the disease advances. Flexibility and ongoing adjustments to care plans are crucial for providing appropriate and responsive care.
Family caregivers may overlook or not recognize safety concerns within the home environment. Seniors with Alzheimer’s are prone to wandering, forgetfulness, and potential accidents. Adequate safety measures, such as securing the home and using monitoring devices, are essential. Work with a professional Alzheimer’s caregiver to learn more about safety risks and make sure your senior parent has a safe home environment.
Family caregivers may unintentionally expect rational behavior from a senior with Alzheimer’s. But, as the disease progresses, your senior parent will increasingly exist in their own world. Their conversations may not make sense to you, and their answers to your questions may not either. You have to join them in their world instead of expecting them to join you in yours.
Eventually your senior parent will need more care than you can provide on your own. As the disease progresses you will need professional care for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s. Establishing Alzheimer’s care at home now will help make the transition to primarily professional care easier.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Alzheimer’s Care in South Side, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
