It can be difficult to learn that a loved one has Alzheimer’s.  Alzheimer’s is a disease that has no cure; however there are excellent treatments to slow the progression of the disease, in many patients.  There is also is good reason for hope. New drugs are being developed to, hopefully, provide a cure in the future.  It can be a challenge to understand the disease and to learn how to best help your loved one and to guide your family through this change.  Some family members will go into denial and not make the necessary changes.  By accepting the realities, you can more quickly adapt and begin the process of gathering information and seeking the necessary assistance.

Senior Care in Dallas, TX: Adjusting to Alzheimer’s in your Family

You will find the family members that are involved with your loved one on a daily basis will more quickly accept the diagnosis of the disease.  Family members that have less day to day involvement with your loved one will not see the small tell-tell signs.  Some family members will have noticed memory loss and will have questioned whether or not Alzheimer’s is present even before the diagnosis was confirmed.  However other family members will disagree and be in denial.  Each person will have their own process for accepting the diagnosis of the disease.  It will take time to absorb the information and begin the coping process. If there are family member having a difficult time accepting the news, professional counseling might be needed.

Senior Care in Dallas, TX – Where to look for help with Alzheimer’s

You can feel very isolated and not know where to turn for information and assistance.  It is a good idea to seek a support group for guidance and answers to your questions.  There are thousands of people who have been through this struggle and many are willing to help.  Their experience and guidance can be and valuable tool.  Here are some places you can find help”

• Alzheimer’s websites, such as: http://www.alz.org/
• Senior Care Services, such as: ApprovedIHC.com
• Local support groups for Alzheimer’s
• Geriatric Care Managers
• Professional counseling

There are 3 main stages before acceptance

 Denial – This can’t be happening to my loved one, in my family. A false feeling that nothing is really wrong. If you ignore it, the problem will go away by itself. Be protective this will lessen the feel of isolation and denial. 

Compensation – The tendency to over-compensate for any issues or difficulties. Some family members will try to make up for the impairment of your loved one.

Anger and/or Guilt –  Anger when you come to the realization of the disease and how it is affecting your loved one. Guilt that you cannot overcome the impairment of your loved one. 

Accepting the reality of Alzheimer’s disease.

Putting denial behind you and accepting the challenge ahead.

You have accepted the diagnosis and start finding ways to best help and support your loved one.

The key is to accept the realities of the disease, and seeking out the proper resources for help and assistance.  Don’t try to go through this alone, there is support and guidance and can make this journey more manageable.

If you have a family member struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other senior related issues they could benefit from the help of elder care services in Dallas, TX.   Contact the caring staff at “Approved Home Care”.  We assist seniors and their families with in home care  and assistance. Call (972) 658-4001 for more information.