It is becoming more common in countries like the UK and US to have elderly relatives living with their grown-up children or grandchildren. As a result of this intergenerational living arrangement, more everyday people are coming into contact with complex issues that can accompany ageing.
One of these is Alzheimer’s dementia. This is an illness that is characterised by loss of memory, anxiety, repetition and increased confusion. For many children and grandchildren, this is a hard hill to climb in relation to caring for someone who has it.
So, what are some of the stress management tips you should employ? Read on to find out.
Learn As Much As You Can
When you have an older family member in front of you who is having difficulty or forgetting things, it can be easy to become frustrated. However, the more you learn about Alzheimer’s, the more you will understand the illness and the easier it will be to manage it. It is only when issues and management become specialised that you would need to look into placing your elderly relative into a Signature care home in Kingston. So, do research online and ask medical professionals to help build your knowledge of Alzheimer’s.
Accept Your Feelings
Many people who find themselves caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s feel guilty about the feelings that they experience. These can include anger, frustration and resentment. As any long-term carer will tell you, these feelings are not only common, but they are also almost universal at one time or another when you are a carer. So, try to accept your feelings, and if you have an ongoing mental health issue, please seek support for yourself, as feelings of stress can worsen illnesses like depression and anxiety.
Seek Medical Help
There are medications that can help to manage Alzheimer’s. These are a group of medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine and donepezil. This branch of medicine can only be prescribed by a doctor or specialist nurse, and it goes without saying that if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, you are going to need medical help. This will ensure that the condition is monitored, the correct Alzheimer’s medication is prescribed and that any physical and mental health issues that your loved ones have are treated promptly.
Seek Support Groups
You and your loved one should also reach out to groups in the community. Most towns and cities will have support groups for carers and people with Alzheimer’s, where your loved one can socialise and you can also make friends. It is always good to know that you aren’t alone, and it can help you to feel less isolated, which will undoubtedly help with stress management.
Plan Ahead
Some people with Alzheimer’s remain at a mild to moderate level for the rest of their lives. Some others degenerate quickly. So, in all scenarios, it is best to have a plan in place should your loved one need to move into a specialised home. Talk to family members, friends and medical professionals to put a feasible plan in place, and hopefully, you won’t need to implement it. This planning can help to prepare you for the worst and will ease any uncertainty that you may have about the future.
