I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
How To Help Your Loved One Get Used To An In-Home Care Provider
Vickie Armstrong
If you are working a job and have children, you likely don't have time to try to take care of an elderly relative. You might not have the time to make sure that they are eating well-rounded meals, are able to bathe and go to the bathroom easily, and are able to get dressed and go outside. This can put a significant mental toll on your because you might feel very guilty about this. One way to make sure that your loved one gets the care that he or she needs and to lessen your guilt is to hire an in-home care provider from a company specializing in providing personal care services. This person will be able to assist your loved in all activities of daily living. However, your loved one might not take kindly to having a stranger in his or her home. Here are some tips for making the transition smoother.
1. Stay With Your Loved One During the First Day of Having the In-Home Care Provider
It might seem counterintuitive to hire an in-home care provider and stay with your loved one, but you might want to do this in order to show your loved one that you are comfortable with the provider and that he or she should be as well. It will also likely help your loved one feel much safer if you are with him or her when the provider is first introduced because it provides them with a safety net. Finally, staying with your loved one will show that you care and are not simply handing him or her off to a care provider.
2. Have Your Loved One Make a List of Particular Details He or She Wants to Have Happen
When you first talk to the in-home care provider, you are going to want to make sure that he or she knows the specifics of how your loved one likes things to be done. If your loved one prefers a made bed, the provider should know this. When you are going over all of these details, make sure that your loved one is there in order to clarify any points and feel involved in the decision-making process.
3. Create a Life Line
Finally, give your loved one a personal phone number at which they can reach you if they want to talk about their provider or just want support. This will further decrease any feelings of abandonment and help your loved feel more comfortable knowing that he or she can talk to you at any time if need be.
For more information, talk to a company that specializes in providing personal care services.
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