Caring for a Parent with Early-onset Alzheimer’s - 5 Tips that Can Help

For adult children, it can be hard to see your parents in a different light, as seniors or elderly. Their age can sneak up on you, with little changes over time. But as they age, they may start to develop various illnesses and even mobility issues that are more common in seniors. Then there is the diagnosis that no family wants to hear, which is that your parent has early-onset Alzheimer’s. If this is the situation you currently find yourself in, and you want to do all you can to help your parent, here are some tips that can help everyone to cope better.

Talk to Your Parent and Share Honest Emotions

The first step should be to have open and honest conversations with your parent. Share how each of you is feeling, what the diagnosis means right now and any worries or stress either party has. It's very common to feel scared, angry, depressed, stressed, frustrated and even in a state of denial. There is no “wrong” emotion, and you want to be sure that you and your parent work through them.

Obviously, sometimes the parent does not want to share what they feel. This is completely normal and you just need to be patient. Eventually, your parent will open up and you can discuss all those negative feelings that are piling up as time passes.

It’s Time to Do Some Research

Unless you’ve dealt with Alzheimer’s up-close and personal in the past, there’s a good chance you don’t know all there is to know. Learning about the disease can help you to better cope, be realistic about what your parent is going through and what the future may hold, and better understand the lifestyle changes that will likely be necessary. While doing your research will certainly be helpful, be sure to also speak to your parent’s primary care provider to get more personalized information.

We should also highlight the fact that there are many articles online that are simply incorrect. And they are written by people that do not know much about the disease. So, only trust people that are doctors and those that did have to deal with people suffering from Alzheimer’s in the past.

What Is Their Current Health Status?

It's also important to get a sense of their current health status. What help do they need right now? How is the illness affecting them at this moment? How quickly are they progressing? All of this information can help you plan for the moment and the future. If you do not know the answer to such questions, ask the doctor to learn as fast as possible.

The Right Home Care Tools Will Make a Difference

Then there are the logistics of providing care for your parent, which is more the physical aspect of care. You want to arm yourself with the right tools and home care essentials, like bedding and linen that is easy to wash and keep clean; incontinence care items like bed pads; home care apparel; and, of course, safe person handling tools/equipment. All of these items will make your job as a caregiver easier, smoother, safer and more comfortable for all.

Expect Bumps in the Road

Even if you do your best to learn about the illness, offer the assistance your parent needs and show compassion and patience, there are still going to be bumps in the road and unexpected obstacles. Being kind to yourself and allowing yourself to go through the emotions will help.

Using these tips will help to make for a smoother transition period as you go from life before Alzheimer’s to now coping with it daily.