One of the most difficult aspects of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be the fact that roles between parents and their children who become caregivers will change dramatically as the disease progresses. Parents are oftentimes the people we respected and looked up to the most during our life, the person we relied on to be there for us. After a diagnosis of AD adult children may begin to experience a huge transition as they step into the role of family caregivers-more so as symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress.
It’s important to keep in mind that although those with AD may not have the same complex thinking skills he/she once had, they continue to know what it feels like to be respected. Although caregivers step into a new position of being the one who is now depended on, it’s vital to continue to give your parent the respect and love and treat him/her like an adult regardless of the severity of dementia he/she experiences.
While this may be a very difficult and confusing transition for many family caregivers, keeping your loved one in the loophole to participate as much as they are able to in decision making is of utmost importance.
Talking with other family caregivers and/or finding a support group may help you cope with feelings of confusion or resentment you may have about role reversal. Keep in mind that you are stepping up to the plate to take on one of the most important roles in life-to love and care for the person who was always there for you.
As a parent with AD develops more severe cognitive functioning, adult children may need to file for legal guardianship-see our blog on Caregiver’s Corner on legal decisions for families of those with AD. Seek support from local hospital social workers and or geriatric care experts for questions and concerns about legal matters such as guardianship.
As dementia worsens, adult children are faced with the need to grieve the loss of the parent they once knew and accept the fact that the relationship will change dramatically over time. Seeking out professional counseling or clergy can help with the grieving process.
Learn more about caregiving for those with Alzheimer’s disease by CLICKING HERE to sign up for our 25 topic caregiver’s course at AlzU.org today.
