According to the WHO, more than 55 million people suffer from dementia worldwide. There are nearly 10 million new cases every year, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form.
If you have a loved one with dementia, their condition can cause a lot of stress for the people who care about them. It’s especially troubling when they forget who you are and become distrustful. Even if these moments are fleeting, they endanger both the seniors and their families.
Here’s what to do if your aging parent struggles to recognize you daily.
Understanding Parent Memory Loss
Memory loss is a normal part of getting older. However, severe memory loss often stems from conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. This type can severely affect relationships and a person’s ability to live alone safely.
The progression of dementia is usually broken up into three stages: early, middle, and late.
In the early stages, a person has trouble with complex tasks and may make more mistakes than usual. These individuals can live alone with some occasional assistance from family members.
The middle stages present more difficulties, such as personality changes or general confusion. They require daily help so they don’t wander off or cause injury to themselves.
Seniors in the late stages may not recognize family or themselves anymore. They often lose weight and sleep more than they’re awake.
Their family members must recognize when the disease has become overwhelming to themselves and their loved ones.
Family Caregiving Strategies
Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can become stressful, especially as the disease progresses. These dementia care tips can help you manage both your own anxiety as well as keep your parent safe and comfortable.
Maintain a Positive Mindset
An important aspect of caregiving is to maintain a positive mindset. It’s natural to feel sad or frustrated when your parent no longer recognizes you. Acknowledging these emotions can help you cope and stay present.
Consider joining a support group for dementia caregivers. You can seek therapy to process your emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They may also give you advice on providing senior emotional support for your parent.
Be Patient
Memory loss can make communication slower and more repetitive. A person with dementia may forget what you are talking about or have difficulty understanding.
Practice patience when answering the same question multiple times or gently reminding your parent of who you are. Speak clearly and calmly at all times. If you get frustrated, that can scare them or cause them to get more confused.
Involve the Entire Family
The responsibility of caring for a parent with memory loss should not fall on the shoulders of a single person. Involve as many family members and even close friends as you can. Rotate visits, assign specific tasks, or pool resources to hire professional care if needed.
For example, ask a family friend to house-sit while you go have a spa day. Give them a list of anything they need to know and leave your phone on in case of emergencies.
If you work a part-time job, let one of your siblings watch over your parent during that time. Allow yourself to have a life outside of their orbit.
Seek Professional Guidance
Caring for an aging parent should involve professional help from someone like a geriatrician or a memory care specialist. They can provide a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for your parent’s cognitive decline. These experts can also recommend caregiving strategies tailored to your loved one’s needs.
If you opt for something like an assisted living community, keep in mind that they may not have the capacity to care for someone in the mid to late stages of dementia. Always verify their capabilities and assess their memory care services.
Use Visual and Sensory Cues
Visual cues are key for jogging a person’s memory. Photographs and familiar objects can evoke recognition. You may even stir up memories with scented candles or essential oils.
One option is to create a memory wall or scrapbook with labeled pictures. You can also surround them with items from their past.
Introduce Yourself Consistently
Though it may become repetitive, it helps to reintroduce yourself every time you visit. Even if your parent lets you inside, that doesn’t mean they completely know who you are nor do they trust you. It’s important to remind them of your relationship to help them stay comfortable.
Try not to bring anyone new around unless you know your parent is having a good day. This new factor will only bring more confusion and anxiety. Even then, things can always turn south at a moment’s notice.
Create a Routine
A consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security and stability for your parent. Familiarity reduces anxiety and can improve their ability to recall certain events or people.
Introducing new elements can make them anxious or agitated, so always be careful how you do so.
Consider Memory Care Services
Memory care is one type of cognitive decline support you should consider if you find yourself overwhelmed. These services provide specialized care for seniors with dementia. Meanwhile, their loved ones can focus on other life matters.
Keep in mind that not every assisted living community provides memory care services. In addition, seniors who are in the advanced stages of dementia may require the kind of help a nursing home provides.
It’s important to talk with professionals to figure out what your aging parent needs and what kind of living situation they can handle.
Protect Your Aging Parent
It can be scary when an aging parent suddenly forgets who you are. Even if it’s a fleeting moment, it’s a sign of worse things to come. You’ll want to enlist as much help as you can get and prepare yourself for future stress and complications.
TerraBella Roswell provides the best in senior living in Roswell, GA. Our community has both senior assisted living and memory care options fit for your aging loved ones. Reach out today with any questions and to set up a tour.
