How to Deal with Dementia in a Parent: Providing Support While Navigating Your Own Grief
Hearing a doctor deliver a dementia diagnosis for a parent can be a truly overwhelming experience. Feeling a flood of emotions, including fear, sadness, confusion, and uncertainty, is normal. It’s also important to know that these feelings are valid and that you should allow yourself to acknowledge and feel each of them.
In this post, we’re here to guide you through the often devastating process of navigating your own grief and emotions while understanding how to deal with dementia in a parent.
Caring for Yourself While Supporting Your Parent
With projections suggesting that nearly one million Canadians could be living with dementia by 2030 (Alzheimer’s Society of Canada), it’s necessary to remember that you’re not alone in this journey, even if you feel isolated upon first hearing the diagnosis.
Loving someone through dementia presents unique challenges and profound emotional demands, and no one can be fully prepared for what lies ahead. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while dementia will undoubtedly change aspects of your parent, it doesn’t erase the deep connection you share. The lifetime of memories and bonds you’ve built don’t simply vanish; instead, they call for a shift in how you connect and a willingness to meet your parent where they are now.
In many ways, this can become an opportunity to reciprocate the patience and compassion your parent once showed you. Just as they guided you through unfamiliar territories in your life, you can now help them navigate this new and challenging one.
Ensuring Thoughtful Support
Let’s explore some helpful strategies for providing the best possible support to your parent:
- Communicate Effectively: Remember to speak slowly and clearly, breaking down instructions into simple, single steps and allowing ample time for processing.
- Utilize Nonverbal Communication: Use friendly body language such as smiling, making eye contact, and gentle touch to offer reassurance.
- Establish Routine: Create a sense of stability through a consistent daily routine for meals and other activities, which can be very comforting.
- Ensure Safety: Put away dangerous items like medications and sharp objects, and clear the clutter in their living spaces to prevent falls.
- Use Memory Aids: Simple aids like posting helpful reminders and labels can assist with orientation.
- Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Prioritize doing things they enjoy, adapting activities to their current abilities and focusing on creating positive moments together.
Nurturing Your Own Well-Being
As you dedicate yourself to supporting your parent, it is incredibly important to prioritize your own physical and emotional health to sustain your strength throughout this demanding journey. Remember that caring for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary foundation for providing the best possible care for your loved one. With that in mind, here are some key ways to nurture your well-being:
- Learn About Dementia: Gain a deeper understanding of the changes your parent is experiencing to foster empathy and effective support.
- Practice Calmness: Strive to remain composed when interacting with your parent, even during moments of upset or confusion, as your calm presence can be reassuring.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Focus on your parent’s current abilities and celebrate small victories, rather than dwelling on past capabilities.
- Build a Strong Support Network: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, support groups, and professionals for assistance and emotional support.
- Plan Ahead: Take proactive steps to organize important documents, which can significantly reduce stress in the long run.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make conscious efforts to rest, eat well, engage in activities you enjoy, and attend to your physical and emotional needs.
- Celebrate Every Win: Cherish those brief moments of connection, laughter, or peace, as they offer valuable reminders of the love that remains.
Finding Strength and Connection in a Difficult Time
Trying to deal with dementia in a parent while processing your own grief is undoubtedly one of life’s most challenging experiences. Remember that your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. By combining practical care strategies with a focus on your own well-being, you can navigate this journey with greater strength and resilience, cherishing the moments of connection that remain.
Need additional support to care for your parent? Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with one of our home care nurses.
