If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s, learning how the disease could affect them will make it easier for you to take care of them. As the disease progresses your mom or dad could experience personality changes. That’s not unusual, but it can be very difficult to process emotionally when your parent starts acting in ways that don’t seem normal for them.
If your mom or dad who has Alzheimer’s is living at home, you should look into getting Alzheimer’s home care for them. Alzheimer’s home care is specialized care designed to meet the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s.
The caregivers who provide Alzheimer’s home care can help your mom or dad stay safe at home. And they can help you and your family members understand more about the changes that Alzheimer’s causes in seniors.
Personality changes like these are very common in seniors with Alzheimer’s. If you start to notice any of these kinds of personality changes in your mom or dad, call their doctor.
Increased Irritability and Anger
If your mom or dad seems more easily irritated or angry lately, that might be due to Alzheimer’s. A common personality change in people with Alzheimer’s is increased irritability or anger. Your senior parent might become easily frustrated by things that never bothered them before.
This can happen because they’re confused or don’t understand what’s going on around them. Simple tasks might become overwhelming, and when they can’t do things the way they used to, they might lash out.
Anxiety or Nervousness
Alzheimer’s can also make your mom or dad feel anxious or nervous. Because their memory is failing, they might worry about things that didn’t concern them before, like getting lost, forgetting appointments, or even being left alone. This anxiety can make them restless, fidgety, or constantly ask the same questions.
To help them manage their anxiety, try to establish a routine for your mom or dad. Alzheimer’s home care can help establish a predictable schedule that will make them feel more secure.
Depression and Withdrawal
Another change you might notice is that your senior parent is starting to be withdrawn or depressed. They may stop enjoying activities they once loved, or they might lose interest in spending time with family and friends. This can happen because they’re aware of their declining abilities, which can lead to feelings of sadness and helplessness.
It’s difficult to provide comfort to your mom or dad if they’re feeling sad or helpless. But reminding them that you love them and are there for them may help.
Suspicion or Paranoia
As Alzheimer’s progresses, your mom or dad might start to experience paranoia or become suspicious of others. They may accuse people of stealing their belongings or think someone is lying to them. This happens because their memory loss makes it hard for them to keep track of things, leading them to believe someone is taking or hiding things from them.
If your mom or dad accuses you when they’re feeling suspicious, try not to get upset. Instead, calmly reassure them and help them find what they’re looking for. Remember that it’s not personal, it’s the Alzheimer’s.
Loss of Inhibition
Alzheimer’s can also cause a loss of inhibition, meaning your senior parent might say or do things that seem out of character or inappropriate. They could make rude comments, act impulsively, or behave in ways that are socially unacceptable. This happens because the disease affects the parts of the brain that control judgment and behavior.
When this happens, it’s important to remember that your parent isn’t doing these things on purpose. If your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s home care, a care provider can help redirect your mom or dad’s attention to something else.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in Leesburg, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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