If your parent or loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you’ll need to be ready to take on the resulting care demands and challenges. Here are a few essential things that you’ll need to know.
Care-giving Assistance
People during the early stages of this disease still retain their memory and higher brain functions, but as their condition advances, taking care of them will become more challenging. You’ll need professional help, especially since every stage comes with different care requirements.
Know Your Options
Do your homework and find out what your options are. If you want to continue caring for a sick person in your home, you and your family may need additional help, especially if you lack professional training. Turn to home care-giving options instead.
Start with an Agency
You can hire home caregivers directly, but getting one from an agency that provides Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Severna Park, MD may offer you more security. Agencies perform background checks to ensure that their caregivers have the proper credentials and skills to provide the services that clients need. If your usual caregiver is ever unavailable, the agency will send over someone equally qualified to provide the care-giving assistance that your family requires.
Know the Stages
You’ll have a better idea of how to help your parent or loved one if you’re familiar with the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so don’t be in the dark. Read up on your family member’s condition to help you prepare for what’s coming emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. While being prepared doesn’t lessen the emotional agony, it can still help you cope.
Don’t Neglect Your Needs
Focusing on your loved one’s needs doesn’t mean you should forget about your own. Self-care is vital. The only way you can provide excellent care-giving assistance is if you’re healthy and well-rested. If you’re tired and run-down, this will affect the quality of your assistance.
Take a Break
You don’t have to spend all your time taking care of your loved one. Hire a professional care-giving agency to look after your loved one and allow yourself time to take a break. With frequent breaks, you’ll be better equipped to handle your care-giving responsibilities.
