Dealing with your father who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s won’t be easy. As the disease progresses, mental abilities, memory, and even physical challenges will increase. Maybe you’ve already discovered this and are starting to wonder just how much tougher things can be.
When a person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to discuss long-term care options. Even though you may assume this is your responsibility or that you just don’t want to turn your back on him when things get tough, the challenge is going to be intense.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, though there are some treatment options that can help. It is progressive, which means the symptoms are going to become much more significant and severe as the years pass.
For example, memory loss will become so significant that he may not recognize you at some point in time. While this may start out spotty, it will reach a point when he doesn’t recognize you or other family members more and more often throughout the day.
Also, with that increasing memory loss, it can lead to frustration, doubt, confusion, and outright fear. That fear is often what leads to physical and verbal aggression and outbursts.
If your father is beginning to act belligerently toward you and other people and family, the first thing you need to understand is it’s not personal. He is not lashing out at you. He is confused, frightened, frustrated, and scared.
You may need to admit you aren’t prepared for this.
You may have read a book, brochures, blogs, and other content depicting all of the various signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and despite knowing what might happen, this can still catch a person completely off guard.
It’s okay to admit you are not prepared for this. It’s okay to admit you have no clue what to do with this aggression. And, it’s okay to admit it hurts emotionally. No one has to continue standing in the fire and get hurt, emotionally, mentally, or even physically.
Now is the time to look for home care.
Your father needs support. If you have no experience doing this for anyone else before, you didn’t know what to expect. Now you do.
It’s time to sit down and discuss home care as a more viable option. When someone has Alzheimer’s, in-home care can help them maintain dignity, independence, and maintain the sanctity of the relationships they have with family and other loved ones.
This isn’t going to stop the aggressive nature, the sundowner’s syndrome, and other symptoms, but when you rely on home care, the benefits can be immeasurable.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Ashburn, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 782-3655.
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