When you become a family caregiver to a loved one with dementia, it’s natural to have a lot of questions (and maybe even some misconceptions) about the situation. What’s normal? What’s not? What can you expect as the disease progresses, and what will help make life easier for you and your loved one?
“There are five major things that family caregivers should know about memory care and memory issues,” says Michelle Pelham, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community in Nashua, NH. “These five things will be the basis for your understanding of your loved one’s situation and will also help you move forward in a healthy, productive manner.”
While there are many more than five things that are important to know about memory care, these things listed below will help you gain a better understanding that will help you care for your loved one and make this time of life as fulfilling as possible.
- Dementia is not a disease.
“Dementia” is actually a catch-all term for the symptoms that occur when someone has a cognitive issue or memory impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease. There are many different kinds of dementia, but it in and of itself is not a disease – although it is characterized by a group of cognitive and behavioral symptoms that interferes with daily life.
- Put a plan into action sooner rather than later.
It’s natural to want to deny the reality of memory impairment or want to kick the can down the road in terms of making decisions. However, the sooner you and your loved one make plans for future care, financial matters and healthcare decisions, the more at ease everyone will be when it comes time to actually implement those plans. When these decisions are made early on in the dementia journey, your loved one has the most autonomy and say in their own future, which provides dignity and respect.
- Dementia will get progressively worse over time.
One sad truth of dementias like Alzheimer’s disease is that it will only ever get worse – never better. Although there will be days when your loved one may seem “normal,” especially in the early stages, this doesn’t mean that the diagnosis is “wrong” or that your loved one is getting better. Eventually, your loved one’s abilities will decline to the point that they need assistance around the clock, and they may no longer have a resemblance to the person they once were. Accepting that this is the case is not admitting defeat – in fact, it provides freedom for family members and the individual to truly enjoy every moment as it comes instead of denying the reality of the situation.
- Look for support.
Support comes in many forms for family caregivers. Most importantly, family caregivers should look to support groups for those who are caring for a loved one with dementia. In these types of groups, you’ll find others just like you who are experiencing (or have experienced) the same things as you. There’s a real relief that comes from being among others who understand what you’re going through, allowing you to share your experiences, thoughts and frustrations without judgement. Beyond support groups, reach out to friends and family and stay connected – having social connections will help you feel more connected and that you’re not alone.
- Know the signs of caregiver stress.
Being a family caregiver is a stressful and all-consuming job. It’s important to know what the signs of caregiver stress are because left unchecked, it can turn into burnout – which can result in real, physical issues for you and your loved one. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms below, you’ll want to take a step back and find ways to reduce stress in your life so you can provide the best possible care:
- Feeling incredibly tired, even if you sleep all the time
- Being overwhelmed or constantly worried
- Sleeping too much or not sleeping enough
- Gaining or losing weight rapidly
- Losing interest in favorite activities
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Having mood swings in sudden and surprising ways
- Worsening physical symptoms or chronic issues
A Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides expert memory care within an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, independence and fulfillment in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care
Our programs, care and services are all designed to celebrate our residents’ lives and support each resident’s individual strengths and abilities. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, our memory care professionals work to maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a positive impact on the lives of our residents every day.
Stunning, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning, purposeful design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community focused on enriching the lives of our residents and helping their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features, including soft paint colors, directional cues, and aromatherapy, provide a soothing and easy-to-navigate environment.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.