3 Signs You And Your Parent With Dementia Require Professional Help
From cooking and cleaning to keeping them safe, the challenges of caring for a parent with dementia are easy to see. Unfortunately, you may feel the need to focus solely on your new role as a caregiver, reducing time spent with your family or on your career. While this natural role reversal is common, caring for your parent does not have to wreak havoc on your physical and emotional well-being. If you are experiencing one of the following, it is time to hire a professional to care for your parent with dementia.
Frustration Is Growing
Watching a parent go through the stages of dementia can be overwhelming. Not only will you feel sad, anxious, and tired, but your parent will also go through an emotional roller coaster. Due to these emotional changes, you may feel stress and frustration.
In some instances, this frustration can cause you to show anger in a verbal or physical manner towards your parent. Learning the signs that your frustration is growing can help reduce any anger towards your loved one. Here are a few signs that you are beginning to feel frustrated or angry:
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in chest
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
- Knot in throat
When you notice one of these signs, you need a break. Hiring a professional for elderly care to come in and care for your parent for just a few hours can offer you enormous relief.
Injuries Are Becoming Common
Even if your parent lives in the same home as you, supervising them each minute of every day is not possible. While surprising to hear, more than 60 percent of patients with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia will wander, increasing the risk of injuries that can be serious.
Ensuring your parent has 24/7 care and supervision is important for reducing the risk of wandering away, which can prevent these injuries. If you notice unexplained bumps, bruises, cuts, or burns on your parent, it may be time to bring in around-the-clock care.
Your Own Family/Home/Career Is Suffering
Your parent will require a great deal of care. Bathing, dressing, feeding, and protecting a person with dementia will require time, energy, and money. While family should be considered a priority, caring for your parent should not negatively affect your own family, home, or career.
Juggling the needs of your children and spouse, household chores, and work tasks with the needs of your parent are possible. However, hiring professional help can make your life a lot less stressful.
It is important to note that you should never feel guilty about hiring nurses to help care for your parent. With this guide, you will know when it is time to invest in professional help for not only your parent, but also for you and your family.