Taking care of a senior parent makes adult children face several challenges. Still, making sure your aging parent is well taken care of can bring a lot of peace of mind. In our opinion, the most important step towards achieving the best elderly care for your loved one. This is why we shared the following tips on how to communicate with your parent about Alzheimer’s. Dealing with stubborn elderly parents requires a lot of attention to detail and patience. But if you follow our recommendations, we are more than sure you will achieve the best results.
How to discuss with your parent about Alzheimer
Choose the right time to talk about Alzheimer’s.
The first thing you need to take into account is when to talk with your aging parent about Alzheimer’s. Indeed, it is difficult to think of your parents as people that might need your care and attention. But in our professional opinion, it is best to create a plan for Alzheimer’s care before symptoms aggravate. Make sure you discuss all the aspects of this disease, including symptoms, side effects, and caregiving possibilities gently.
Consider your parent’s preferences.
You should always take into account your loved one’s feelings. So, we suggest you ask your parent about whether or not he or she has preferences concerning which family member to have close. Also, it is an excellent opportunity to talk about special caregiving services for Alzheimer patients.
Make sure you use direct and unambiguous language
Since your loved one has Alzheimer’s, experts say it is best to use transparent and answerable questions. Offering too many choices can make everything confusing for your parent. So, stick to simple, child-friendly questions, which are easy to understand and respond to.
Avoid power struggles and conflicts.
Lastly, but not the least important, you should be as gentle as possible. It is rather simple to get involved in a power struggle. But when you feel like there is a conflictual situation, it is best to take a step back and breathe. Your parent is sensitive, and due to Alzheimer’s, he or she might have a hard time understanding you. Thus, make sure you don’t give ultimatums, yell, or slamming doors.
The bottom line
Talking with your aging parent about Alzheimer’s can be simple if you focus on the positives. You can talk about what activities they can still do independently. But at the same time, you can reveal the advantages of having professional caregiving services at home. Some of the reasons why we encourage you to consider Alzheimer’s personalized care include the fact that your parent will have a trained professional close, along with access to the best care and treatment plans for this mental illness.