3 Ways To Manage Behavioral Problems In A Parent With Alzheimer's
As the primary caregiver for your parent with Alzheimer's, you will be faced with handling certain behaviors as the disease progresses. Changes to your parent's behavior can be sudden and without warning. Here are some tips for handling a range of emotions and behaviors from your parent.
Identify Triggers
As Alzheimer's progresses, your parent's mood swings can be triggered by a number of stressors. By identifying those triggers, you can help to decrease the number of changes in mood. For some people with the disease, stressors can include overstimulation, physical discomfort, unfamiliar surroundings, and communication problems.
When your parent has a sudden change in mood, take an assessment of the situation that preceded the change. You can use that information to limit those situations that trigger behavioral changes.
Limit Triggers
Once you are aware of what factors can lead to a behavioral change for your parent, you need to work to limit or remove it. For instance, if your parent starts to show aggression when he or she is in an unfamiliar surrounding, try to keep him or her in only familiar places. If you do have to travel with your parent to an unfamiliar place, try to take along familiar items, such as a photo album or throw.
If you parent's behavioral issues are triggered by problems with communicating, you need to focus on getting a better understanding of your parent's non-verbal cues. For instance, clenched fists and rapidly looking around could be signs that your parent is getting frustrated. Quickly assess the situation to determine what you can do to limit that frustration.
Consider a Nursing Home
At some point, your parent's behavior might become too much to handle. This is particularly true if you are the sole or primary caregiver. When you become physically and emotionally worn out, it can be difficult for you to provide the care your parent needs.
By helping to move your parent into a nursing home, you can ensure that he or she is getting around the clock care. You can still be very involved in your parent's care, but you will have the support of others to help keep you from being worn out. You also have the added bonus of having professionals who have dealt with behavioral problems. They will know how to quickly help your parent and decrease the amount of anger and frustration he or she is feeling.
Managing a parent with Alzheimer's behavior can be a challenge for most people. By having a plan and realizing when it is time to call in for help, you can ensure that your parent is getting the care he or she deserves and needs. If you're looking for a nursing home in your area, visit Alta Ridge Communities.
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