Difficult Situations Family Caregivers Face When a Parent Has Alzheimer's

Posted: 6/6/2018 11:33 AM by Interim HealthCare
Between 2000 and 2015, the number of deaths related to Alzheimer's increased by 123 percent. According to the Alzheimer's Association, in just 65 seconds, another person develops Alzheimer's.
 
When your mom or dad has Alzheimer's, it's virtually impossible to predict what you're about to face. Every patient is different. Some progress faster than others. One thing is certain. You'll face situations you would never have imagined years ago.
 
Your Parent Starts Picking Favorites
 
Parents rarely admit to having favorites. As the brain deteriorates, you may find your mom or dad suddenly picking clear favorites. Your mom suddenly wants you to leave her home. She doesn't hesitate to say she finds you bossy and demanding. She prefers your youngest sibling.
 
There may be no reason you and your siblings can come up with. There's no way to explain why she suddenly likes one sibling and doesn't want to spend time with another. It does happen though. If it does, you just have to make the most of it.
 
Your mom is still your mom. It's the disease that is changing. From time to time, you'll have moments where she returns to the parent you remember. When it's not, it's okay to walk away and take a break. While your mom dotes on your other sibling, you can do something else to help out. You could go to the store and complete the weekly shopping instead.
 
Your Parent Forgets Things That Happened Moments Ago
 
With Alzheimer's, you might take your mom to the dentist and find that she's already forgotten what happened by the time you get home. She knows her mouth feels odd, but she doesn't know why. You might find she calls you to tell you some news, but it's news she told you an hour ago.
 
When confronting these moments, you can't scold or tell your mom she's already said that. Act like it's the first time you've heard it. If she's asking questions you've already answered, just answer them again.
 
Your Mom Calls 911 About an Attack That Didn't Happen
 
Delusions happen with some Alzheimer's patients. Some of those delusions can convince an Alzheimer's patient they're in serious danger. You might find your mom picking up the phone and calling 911 when a delusion takes place. She's convinced the neighbor is trying to shoot her. A knock on the door has her terrified, so she calls the police.
 
It's hard when a parent has called 911. You don't want the false alarms to keep bringing police to the house. You don't want to disconnect the phone and put your mom in danger if there is a real emergency.
 
When these situations arise, it's clear your mom shouldn't be alone. Senior care is the best way to keep your mom at home. Caregivers spend time with her, make sure she's taking medications, and cook her meals. Call a senior care agency to learn more about Alzheimer's services.

Learn more about Alzheimer's Care.