Talking About Alzheimer’s Care With Family and Friends
Family Caregivers: Alzheimer’s Care Libertyville IL
Your mom has Alzheimer’s disease, and she hasn’t wanted anyone to know. As much as you want to respect her privacy, you can’t leave others in the dark either. How do you talk about Alzheimer’s care with your mom’s close friends, family members, and even her neighbors?
Gather the Family to Build a Care Plan
Your mom is going to need care. One of the first changes is her ability to drive. She may feel confident behind the wheel, but it’s too risky. She might forget what a road sign is telling her or how to get from Point A to Point B.
It’s impossible to know how far she may get before she’s found. In 2022, a wrong-way driver was pulled over in Vermont. The elderly man had left his home in New Jersey that morning and failed to return. His family reported him missing the day before, but no one expected to find him hundreds of miles away in Vermont. Take away her car sooner rather than later.
Not only will your mom need others to do the driving, but she can’t cook without supervision. It’s too risky. She could start a meal, forget she’s got something on the stove, and go for a walk or to take a nap. Many kitchen fires have been started by people with dementia. Alzheimer’s care providers can help her with personal chores or prepping her daily meals.
She’s also going to need help with housework, pet care, laundry, and shopping. Someone in the family needs to help your mom with bill paying, scheduling, and appointments.
What Should Friends Know?
How much should her friends know? Prepare them by telling them in advance that she has Alzheimer’s and may repeat the same things over and over. She might not remember their names.
Consider having business cards printed up that you can slip to people that contain a few facts about your mom’s progression with Alzheimer’s. She may not want you to tell people, but a business card that you hand them is less likely to upset her.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Telling Her Neighbors
Why should you tell your mom’s neighbors? If she starts wandering and doesn’t know how to get back home, they’ll often be the ones helping her out. Give them a business card with your information and any other family caregivers so that they know how to get hold of you.
The other reason to tell them is that your mom may start showing signs of paranoia and becoming delusional before you expect it. The things she says are happening to her when you’re not there can be alarming. If her neighbors know she has Alzheimer’s and that delusions and paranoia are common symptoms of the disease, they’ll be in a better position to help her.
Arrange Outside Care Services
Another important addition to your mom’s supportive circle is an Alzheimer’s care aide. There will be things she doesn’t want you or other close friends and family members to help her with. For those tasks, a professional Alzheimer’s care aide is incredibly helpful.
Your mom is going to need help getting in and out of the shower or bath, but her pride may keep her from turning to family members for that kind of help. She doesn’t have the same familiarity with an Alzheimer’s care aide, which makes it a little easier to rely on their assistance. Talk to an expert in dementia care to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Alzheimer’s Care in Libertyville, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
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