Dealing with a parent with Alzheimer’s /Dimentia
I have been dealing with my mother slowly becoming more forgetful, dependent, and increasingly having bouts just plain controlling tendencies. I am at loss as to how to handle this.
@straightforwardJet7078 Hi! I would suggest that it might be helpful to get a professional medical opinion. there is a lot that can be done nowadays to improve these conditions. There are many forms of dementia too and some respond better to different care and management.
I do understand how frustrating and scary this situation may be too, let me know if you would like to chat.
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@straightforwardJet7078 Hello there,
I would say that seeking professional medical advice would be the best thing to do. There are certain medications and therapy techniques that can be used to assist with these living conditions.
As for now in the moment, you can always be comforting and ask simple questions like, "what did you have for breakfast?" or "do you like tea or coffee?" and "do you like to listen to music or watch tv?" and try to engage with her on simple terms. Going too in depth of a conversation can cause aggravation and debilitate the conversation. Magazines with lots of pictures are also good, as well as coloring and blowing bubbles! I used to do these things with my residents at the nursing home.
Don't give up hope, and just remember that you can still enjoy the person who is your mom during these times as well.
Ethan
