Try bringing up Alzheimer’s care at your next summer pool party or barbecue, and watch the overall mood of your guests quickly change from celebratory to somber. Whether you’ve witnessed it firsthand or know only about this disease through what you’ve read, typically the experience has involved negative connotations. And because there is still not yet a cure, it’s natural that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in a family member creates a plethora of worries.
What isn’t usually brought up are the bright parts of dementia. In fact, research has shown that as few as 25% of individuals with mild or moderate dementia self-describe their lives as negative. According to Dr. Peter Rabins, author of “The 36-Hour Day” in which the study is highlighted, and a professor at the University of Maryland, “I’ve seen that you can be a wonderful grandparent and not remember the name of the grandchild you adore. You can be with people you love and enjoy them, even if you’re not following the whole conversation.”
It may help to bear in mind that despite the external changes noticed in people who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, they are still the same person inside with many of the same character traits and feelings as always. They benefit from being in a relationship with other people, find peace of mind in familiar surroundings, and really benefit from meaningful, purposeful tasks. It’s a matter of taking the time to better understand the particular person and investing quality time to participating in hobbies and interests that he or she enjoys.
There are lots of ways one can help promote wellbeing and a positive outlook on life for a family member with Alzheimer’s or dementia, even as the condition advances. At the top of our list includes socializing. Several family members are fearful and uneasy around their family member with dementia, and as a consequence, will usually cut back on visits or even just abandon them completely. It’s critical to search out ways to help your loved one stay socially connected. Continue to visit, and engage the services of a professional in-home caregiver, such as those at Home Sweet Home In-Home Care of St. Joseph, MI, to fill in the gaps.
Call us at (866) 229-2505 for more strategies or to go over further ways to help a loved one with dementia enrich total health and happiness. Our specially trained Alzheimer’s and dementia care team is on hand in order to provide dependable respite services, allowing members of the family vital time away to rest and refresh, knowing their family member is in the very best of care.
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