Dementia is a devastating diagnosis for both the person receiving it and their loved ones. When a parent is diagnosed with early stage dementia, it can be difficult to know how best to help them. As a child of someone with dementia, you play an important role in supporting your parent through the changes ahead. With understanding, patience, and care, you can make a meaningful difference during the early stages of their condition.
Understanding the Early Stages
The early stages of dementia are often subtle. Your parent may start misplacing items, forget recent conversations or appointments, or get confused in unfamiliar settings. They are still able to generally care for themselves, drive, and function independently. However, these mild memory and cognitive issues indicate that changes are happening in their brain. Being informed about early dementia will help you identify symptoms and plan appropriate support.
During this stage, it’s important to have open and honest conversations with your parent. Discuss any concerns you’ve noticed and encourage them to share what they’re experiencing. An early diagnosis, along with proactive treatment and planning, can help optimize their health and quality of life.
Providing Emotional Support
Receiving a dementia diagnosis is devastating news that can leave a parent feeling scared, anxious or depressed. Validate their feelings and provide reassurance. Share that many treatments and sources of support are available to help manage symptoms. Remind them that you are there for them and that they don’t have to face this alone.
Be patient when interacting with your parent. Dementia can cause emotions and behaviors to change. Respond with calmness and understanding if your parent becomes angry, suspicious, or embarrassed. Focus on providing comfort, security, and unconditional love.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
Certain lifestyle factors can help support cognitive health during early dementia. Encourage your parent to:
- Eat a nutritious diet with heart-healthy fats and antioxidant-rich fruits/vegetables.
- Exercise regularly to improve blood flow to the brain.
- Get quality sleep and rest.
- Stay social and pursue hobbies that keep the mind active.
- Take prescribed medications consistently.
- Abstain from smoking, limit alcohol, and manage conditions like diabetes, obesity or hypertension.
Making positive changes together can motivate your parent and give them a sense of control over their health.
Providing Practical Support
As your parent’s cognition declines, they will gradually need more assistance with daily living. Start small by helping with tasks like:
- Managing finances and bills
- Cooking nutritious meals
- Cleaning and home maintenance
- Transportation to appointments
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Medication management
Consider hiring home care in Belmont, MA, to help out with caregiving a few hours a week. This can provide your parent with supervision and support while giving you a needed break. As abilities continue to decline, increase home care hours as needed.
Creating a Safe Home Environment
To help your parent remain independent and prevent safety risks:
- Ensure good lighting throughout the home
- Remove tripping hazards like rugs, cords or clutter
- Install grab bars in the bathroom
- Use labels and pictures as visual cues
- Post important numbers by the telephone
You may also need to limit access to car keys, disable complicated electronics/appliances, or install locks on cabinets with cleaning products or medications. Safety-proofing the home early on can allow your parent to comfortably stay at home longer.
Planning for the Future
While focusing on the present, also discuss future care preferences and make legal/financial plans while your parent can still participate. Important steps include:
- Completing advance care directives and wills
- Granting power of attorney for healthcare/finances
- Reviewing insurance policies and financial information
- Touring long-term care facilities if desired
- Applying for disability benefits if eligible
Consulting with professionals like social workers, elder law attorneys, or financial advisors can ensure preparations are made properly.
Taking Care of Yourself
Caring for a parent with dementia also means caring for yourself. Make time for your own health, relationships, and interests. Don’t neglect your feelings – seek counseling or a support group if needed. Share caregiving duties with family when possible. Accept help from trusted friends.
With resilience, flexibility, and self-care, you’ll be able to provide the ongoing support your parent needs.
