How to Cope with Taking Care of Parents with Alzheimer’s Disease
Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging enough, but if both of your parents are diagnosed, then this experience can be extremely overwhelming and stressful. This experience can be difficult to deal with not only because you have to accept the fact that they are both unwell, but also because you have to provide both of them with the care they need.
As your trusted memory care consultant in Houston, we truly understand what you are going through, and we are more than willing to help you address the needs of both of your parents. Learn how to cope with the situation more effectively by reading the tips below.
Consider seeking help from an assisted living facility or a memory care provider
There might come a time when your parents need further assistance in accomplishing their daily activities, and living on their own is no longer an option. You may want to seek help from an assisted living facility or a memory care provider to provide your loved ones with specialized care.
When considering your options for a facility or a provider, you need to take into account if your parents will move into the facility together or if one will stay at home while the other will live in the facility.
Meanwhile, if you need assistance in looking for memory care assisted living in Houston, then you can contact us. We can help you find a facility that fits your parents’ needs.
Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease
The key to offering exceptional care to both of your parents is to equip yourself with knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease, its different stages, its progress, and the care and treatment necessary for each stage. This way, you can customize your assistance to your loved ones accordingly.
Make sure to pay close attention to the needs of both your parents and don’t hesitate to step in to help them out in case they are experiencing difficulty in completing their tasks. These include activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself
When caring for both of your parents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is easy to give all of your time and effort to them and end up forgetting to spend some time for yourself.
Providing your parents with care they need and deserve and showing how much you love them is important, especially during this phase in their lives. However, it is also crucial to care for your well-being as much as you take care of your loved ones. Doing this will prevent you from experiencing burnout and exhaustion.
To stay refreshed and energized while taking care of your parents, make sure to find time to do things that matter to you the most. Whether it is as simple as taking a walk in the park or booking an appointment at a hair and makeup salon, you must pursue your hobbies, passions, or interests in this crucial time.
Also, you may consider creating a solid support system to release your burden and alleviate your stress or emotional trauma. Reach out to your friends, family, healthcare, and mental health professionals, a caregiver’s support group, or other people in your community who are in the same situation as yourself.
Conclusion
Caring for your parents with Alzheimer’s disease can be daunting and overwhelming. To fulfill your desire to offer them exceptional assistance and accomplish your caregiver responsibilities effectively, make sure to learn more about the disease and keep yourself healthy. Finally, turn to a memory care provider or an assisted living facility that suits the needs of your parents.
Let us help you find the best memory care in Houston. Our team of certified dementia practitioners will help you look for memory care services that best suit your loved ones’ needs. Contact us to see how we can help you!