If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be a trying situation to be thrust into. For starters, you probably have a lot of questions and are also feeling a rush of emotions, too. In such a fraught scenario, it’s important to come up with a strategy that will help you cope with your situation in the best way possible. If you aren’t sure what to do first, here are a few ways to get past your parent’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Do your research.
Anytime you come face to face with a new disease, it’s important to do your research and understand what to expect. Finding a trusted source like the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s research foundation can give you the latest information about treatment options as well as general information about what to expect when dealing with the condition.
From resources that explain the top10 signs of Alzheimer’s to articles laying out different drug options and various therapeutic activities, researching the disease can give you the knowledge you need to properly prepare your parent. Arming yourself with these kinds of tools can give you peace of mind, too, which is important when you’re dealing with a major diagnosis like Alzheimer’s.
Talk to a therapist.
Speaking of peace of mind, talking to a therapist can be vital anytime you go through a major life-changing event. One of your parents getting diagnosed with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer’s disease can create feelings of dread and guilt. In situations like this, talking to a therapist can help you keep a clear head and come up with strategies to deal with your situation properly. Best of all, having a third-party perspective can often illuminate ideas that you may not see for yourself. If you need help finding the right therapist, you should look into WithTherapy—an online resource designed to help people from all walks of life find a therapist that best suits their needs.
Make time for family.
Making time for your family is vital anytime a member of your family is facing something serious like Alzheimer’s disease. This is because it’s important to cherish the time that you have together so that you can avoid any feelings of guilt later in life. Whether it’s calling every week if you’re not in the same location as your mom or dad or finding a day of the week to have a meal together. Especially when you’re facing the unknown, making time for your family and loved ones is a great investment of time and energy.
Speak with your mom or dad about their wishes.
As you make time for your family, it’s important to begin to talk to your parents about what they would like to do as their condition progresses. Some parents are interested in having in-home hospice care, while others are okay with the idea of being taken to a retirement or nursing home as they age. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, which is why it’s vital that you communicate with your parents about how they want to be cared for as they approach the end of their life.
As you can see, there are a variety of things that you can do to better cope with your parents’ diagnosis. The most important thing to do is to make sure that you find a way to cope with the news so that you can stay in a headspace that allows you to appropriately deal with the situation. Keep the above ideas in mind and you’ll be able to face the unknown and be supportive of your parents.
