Learning that your loved one has Alzheimer’s can be incredibly tough, but there are many ways that you can help them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips for supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
If your loved one has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you’re bound to be feeling incredibly concerned about the future. Luckily, help and support is available, whether you contact local support groups or get in touch with lasting powers of attorney solicitors.
To help you support your loved one during this challenging time let’s explore eight ways to help a loved one with an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis.
8 ways to support your loved one with Alzheimer’s
1. Educate yourself
If you want to help your loved one with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the best thing that you can do is educate yourself about the disease. The more that you learn about it, the better position you will be in to offer the kind of support that they need.
There are plenty of useful resources online that you can use to learn about Alzheimer’s disease, one of the best being the Alzheimer’s Society. Here you can find resources and articles across a range of different categories, including help with dementia care, and legal and financial advice.
2. Support them with counselling
Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis will be incredibly distressing. Your loved one is likely to be feeling all sorts of emotions, from depression and grief to anxiety. It’s incredibly important that they have someone to talk to, so ensure that they know you are here for them.
The diagnosis will be tough to deal with, and so it may be better to get them some professional support, for example counselling. A trained counsellor or a therapist will be able to help your loved one work through the difficult emotions they are experiencing.
3. Converse regularly
As Alzheimer’s progresses, those living with the disease can find it difficult to complete daily tasks, or properly follow every conversation. Though this may be true, it’s important that you converse with your loved one regularly, attempting to involve them in the conversation, even if they seem confused.
Remember, they are still the same person that they were before, and keeping things as normal as possible can help them to feel more at ease, particularly because Alzheimer’s is a disease with a great degree of stigma attached.
4. Remain patient
When your loved one receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, they are bound to be feeling many emotions, from despair to anger and fear. Remember, everyone expresses their emotions in different ways, and it’s important that you are patient with your loved one when they are coming to terms with their emotions.
Equally, as the disease progresses, they may not be able to carry out their normal routine in the way that they used to. It’s important that you be patient with them in this way too. As much as you can, allow them to retain their sense of independence.
5. Make a plan
For a person with Alzheimer’s, tasks that were simple before can become rather tough and, when this happens, the person can quickly become frustrated. To support your loved one with new challenges, the best thing you can do is to create a plan.
For instance, ensure that you create a schedule, including medical appointments, mealtimes etc. Help your loved one to settle into a routine so that they know what to expect each day. Allow enough time for each task, remembering that things are likely to take a little longer now.
6. Get advice from doctors
If you are looking after someone with Alzheimer’s, it’s a good idea to get all the advice that you can from their doctor. Your loved one’s doctor will be able to give you specific information about how you can take care of them, depending on their symptoms and experience.
When you meet with their doctor, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. You are bound to be feeling confused and overwhelmed, but educating yourself is the best way forward.
7. Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney refers to a legal document. The document allows an individual to choose a person (their attorney) to make decisions on their behalf, when they are not in a position to do so.
Once your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s a great idea to apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney. A solicitor will be able to guide you through the entire process, providing legal support along the way.
As your loved one’s Attorney, you’ll have various powers and duties, which may include handling your loved one’s financial affairs, as well as arranging their healthcare and welfare needs.
8. Try support groups
To help your loved one with this difficult diagnosis, you might consider researching a few Alzheimer’s support groups. Such groups can be a great place for your loved one to meet new people who understand what they are going through.
The Alzheimer’s Research UK website has details of various different activity groups for people with dementia and their carers.
Helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s
Supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be tricky, but luckily there are lots of ways that you can help. Make sure that you learn as much about the disease as you can and liaise with their doctor as much as possible.
Ensure that you converse with them regularly, and keep things as normal as possible. Allow enough time for daily tasks and create a schedule to make things easier. Above all, ensure that you provide them plenty of emotional support. You might also consider helping them to access therapy and support groups.
