The Alzheimer Society of Canada reports that more than 560,000 people in the country have Alzheimer’s disease, and the number is expected to grow exponentially in the next three decades. Although the disease process is becoming more prevalent, there’s still a stigma surrounding the disorder. This stigma can have a negative effect on aging adults with Alzheimer’s as well as their family members. Here are a few ways to fight the stigma.
Address the Negative Effects
Due to the negativity that surrounds Alzheimer’s, many people resist tests and medical treatments. Individuals may also avoid making plans or shy away from developing a support system. By ignoring the symptoms and not allowing loved ones to help, many seniors deny themselves a better quality of life. Some older adults with Alzheimer’s try to hide the fact from others. Instead of trying to hide the diagnosis, seniors should use their experiences as a learning tool for others.
Aging adults with Alzheimer’s can benefit from professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of in-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Dispel the Myths
Due to the stigma attached to the disease, many family members and friends of seniors with Alzheimer’s start avoiding them after the diagnosis. Affected seniors and their families may also resist forming new relationships. The Alzheimer Society of Canada offers many recommendations that can be utilized to address the stigma surrounding the disorder.
Have a Discussion
Start a discussion with loved ones, community members, and people on social media sites. Talk about how the disease process develops, the symptoms, and the need for more research and better treatment options. Family members of seniors with Alzheimer’s may soon find they’re not alone in addressing the disorder.
Educate Others
Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and share the knowledge with others. Read pamphlets, books, and websites to gain all the information possible about the disease. Encourage others to learn more, and help them find relevant and updated information. By communicating with others, you can gain more information about the disease along with caregiving tips.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elder care. Edmonton families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Join a Support Group
Support groups are another source of information and education. These groups provide members with the chance to form relationships, and they offer support for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Support groups might be available at local churches, medical facilities, and educational institutions.
Fight Discouragement
There may be people who deny the facts concerning the disease and refuse to learn the truth. Don’t let negativity or false information discourage you. You may encounter people who are willing to listen and learn that Alzheimer’s isn’t merely a symptom of the normal aging process.
Treat Your Loved One with Dignity & Respect
Seniors living with Alzheimer’s deserve to be treated with love, dignity, and respect. Appreciate them for who they were and who they are now. Don’t avoid them or exclude them from family gatherings or social occasions.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Edmonton Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can help your loved one, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.