Three Steps Every Adult Child Should Take When Their Parent Starts to Lose Their Memory

March 16th, 2017 by admin

It may be something you notice at once, or gradually over the span of a few years. As your parent ages, it may seem like they have trouble remembering simple tasks and memories — or forgetting large spans of time entirely. Confronting the realities of this condition is never simple.

If you're seeing that your parent is starting to show signs of dementia, Alzheimers or memory loss, figuring out where to go from here can be an extremely tough decision. Here's a look at three ways to get started with helping your parent through their condition:

1. 1. Be truthful with your parent — even if they get angry

   Oftentimes, the first step in helping your parent deal with his or her dementia is to be honest about what you're observing in his or her behavior. This will likely cause your parent to become angry or to deny that there's anything wrong. Despite this, it's essential to commit to helping your parent get the best care possible and to be a source of support for them.

2. 2. Don't be afraid to seek out help

   Secondly, you should consider seeking out professional help, whether it's from a family counselor or other trusted figure in your community. Your other parent can also be a major source of support and stability as well. The main thing to remember is to never be afraid to seek out help for you and your parent.

3. 3. Consider potential options for long-term care

   If your parent's dementia begins to get in the way of his or her everyday functioning, it may be time to consider the dementia care plans and Alzheimers care options available near you. Currently, 74 percent of residents in these assisted living communities are female, with the remaining 26 percent male, on average. This is often because women are more susceptible to Alzheimers disease than men. But while women are more likely to live in Alzheimers care centers and dementia care units, it's definitely possible for both genders to get the care they need at these assisted living centers.

Having a parent who is facing memory loss and dementia can be one of the most difficult things for an adult child to go through. However, with the help of qualified Alzheimers care workers, this process can become much easier for everyone.

Posted in: Blog