Making the Most of Your Visit to a loved one
Not being known by someone who is the centre of your
world; not being able to recognize the person you once idolized; seeing a
completely new and strange person replace someone who was once so familiar to
you – coping with the changes that the effects of Alzheimer’s can have on a
loved one can be quite challenging.
Not only is it hard to accept the changes that you see
happening before your very eyes, it is hard to understand how to deal with
those changes. However, accept and understand you must, because at the end of
the day, that person is still your grandparent, your parent, a dear friend, or
someone else who you hold near and dear to your heart.
Part of the battle of successfully coping is understanding what to expect. You
want to make the most of your time with this person, but feeling overwhelmed
and unable to process the changed person that you see before you are natural.
In order to make the most of your visit with a loved
one with Alzheimer’s, prepare yourself so that you can enjoy your time together
as much as possible.
Be Knowledgeable
You have the image of your jovial grandfather in mind,
but upon visiting him, you are startled to find how much he has changed. In
order to avoid feeling overwhelmed, be knowledgeable about the changes that you
will likely experience. He or she may not know who you are, may become easily
upset, or may think you are someone else. Knowing to expect this type of experience
can allow you to respond in a positive way, ensuring your visit is a successful
one.
Offer a Greeting
If your mother has Alzheimer’s, you know that her not
knowing or recognizing you is not abnormal. By offering a warm greeting and
introducing yourself, you offer her the chance to place who you are and set the
stage for a successful meeting. Those with Alzheimer’s tend to crave physical
touch, so offer a warm hug or hold their hand as you sit together.
Be Courteous
Though your loved one may be forgetful and may even act
childish in some ways, always treat him with respect. Never belittle or talk
down to him. He is a person who has lived a full life and is battling a very
difficult disease. Show your respect and be courteous – although they may not
be able to show their appreciation, it’s very important.
Don’t Overwhelm
Sharing too much at one time with your loved one is often
overwhelming for them. Pick and choose what you want to say, or talk about, and
pay attention to their physical cues. When you notice them becoming tired or
irritable, it’s okay to simply sit quietly.
Show Your Love and Support
Even if your loved one never gains a sense of who you are
during your entire visit, show her your love and support anyway. Your loved one
can sense your emotions, and those emotions will greatly impact her long after
you leave. In fact, she may associate those emotions with you the next time you
visit, so be sure to leave things on a calm and positive note.
Don’t Get Upset
Naturally, the changes Alzheimer’s brings to your loved
one are difficult and hard to deal with. However, don’t let your frustrations
get the best of you! This will make the visit more difficult for everyone,
perhaps leading to more discouraging visits in the future.
Preparing yourself, knowing what to expect, and
exhibiting the right attitude toward your loved one greatly impact the success
of your visit, making your time together memorable and meaningful.
No comments:
Post a Comment