The connection between high stress and illness is well-documented, but you may not realize how much stress Alzheimer’s can cause for a senior parent. April is Stress Awareness Month and it’s a great time to learn more about the added stress that your senior parent is experiencing.
Seniors who have Alzheimer’s experience higher physical and mental stress because of the symptoms of the disease. Your senior parent’s health could be getting worse because of all that stress.
One thing that you can do to lower the amount of stress that your senior parent is experiencing is to hire Alzheimer’s care at home for them. With Alzheimer’s care at home, your senior parent can stay in the home where they feel safe and comfortable, which minimizes their daily stress load. Alzheimer’s care at home can also help reduce your senior parent’s stress by:
Creating a Daily Routine
People with Alzheimer’s often feel confused and anxious when their day is unpredictable. A home care provider can set up a daily routine, making sure meals, activities, and rest times happen at the same time each day.
This structure helps your senior parent feel more secure because they know what to expect. Whether it’s having breakfast at the same table every morning or watching a favorite TV show in the afternoon, a routine brings comfort and reduces stress.
Seeing A Familiar Face Each Day
Having the same caregiver visit each day can make a big difference for someone with Alzheimer’s. Seeing a familiar face helps build trust and reduces fear. When your parent knows their caregiver, they are more likely to feel calm and comfortable.
Your senior parent may not always remember the care provider’s name, but they will know that they are a person they trust, and that can help reduce stress.
Helping with Daily Tasks
Simple tasks like making meals, taking medicine, or getting dressed can become frustrating and stressful for someone with Alzheimer’s. Your senior parent may forget how to turn on the washer or forget how a faucet works.
A home care provider can offer gentle guidance and assistance without rushing or overwhelming your parent. They can remind them to eat, help them find the right clothes, and make sure they take their medications on time. Having help with these tasks reduces confusion and makes daily life feel easier and more manageable.
Offering Comfort and Companionship
Alzheimer’s can make seniors feel isolated, even when they are surrounded by loved ones. And that can create stress. An Alzheimer’s care provider that visits daily can be a steady source of companionship and security for your senior parent. They can sit and talk, listen to music together, or help with a favorite hobby. Simple interactions like holding a hand or giving a warm smile can provide comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness or distress. Many seniors who have Alzheimer’s experience stress caused by loneliness at night, so having a care provider in the home to help them get ready for bed or go to sleep can be very helpful for your senior parent.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Durham, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200
Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH provides exceptional home care in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, North Hampton, Hampton, Stratham, Exeter, Durham, Dover, Seabrook, Greenland, Rochester, Hampton Falls and surrounding areas.
