When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be difficult to come to terms with the changes that the disease brings. It is especially challenging to watch their cognitive functions deteriorate while they are still alive, as memories fade away and the person you used to know slowly disappears. This presents complex emotions and practical challenges, particularly when the person diagnosed is a close family member – such as a parent. In this article, we'll explore how families can best care for a loved one with dementia, while also navigating the difficulty of dealing with failings connected to their condition.
Recognizing the Changes
The first step in caring for a family member who has been diagnosed with dementia is to acknowledge the changes. When a person’s dementia progresses, there will be shifts in both their behavior and care needs. It can be hard to accept that your parent may not be the same person you’re used to and it can be even harder if family disagreements over the diagnosis arise. It’s important to recognize that if your parent has been diagnosed with dementia, there is likely evidence to support it and that ignoring or denying it won’t make the diagnosis disappear.
Involving the Whole Family
Another aspect of caring for a family member with dementia is involving the entire family. Even if siblings are estranged, they should still be included in decision-making regarding the person’s care. Involving the whole family can often be very difficult and emotions may run high. Despite this, it is important to come together as a unified group so that you can all make decisions together in the best interests of the person diagnosed. If tensions between family members make it too hard to communicate, consider talking to a therapist or other outside facilitator who can help you work through any issues and find a way forward.
Caring for Your Own Wellbeing
It’s also important to remember to take care of your own wellbeing. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be difficult and can take a toll on your mental health. You may find that you are struggling with feelings of frustration, fear and sadness over the changes wrought by the condition. While it’s important to support your family member, it’s also essential that you don’t neglect your own needs. Consider joining a support group for other family members dealing with dementia, speaking to a therapist, or taking time for things that bring you joy.
Making Practical Arrangements
Finally, when caring for a family member with dementia, it’s important to make some practical arrangements. Talk to your GP or local authority about the best options for care of your parent and look into home care and respite services. Consider contacting a financial adviser to discuss legal and financial decisions. Be sure to document the person’s wishes and preferences; this way you can be sure that their voice is heard even if they are no longer able to communicate clearly about their needs.
When a family member is diagnosed with dementia, it can be a difficult experience. Even if their failing have caused tension in the past, it’s important to support each other and work together so that the person with dementia can receive the best care possible. Taking this approach – along with Esupporting your own mental health and making practical arrangements – can help your family cope in the toughest of times.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now