One of the ways that caregivers struggle when their loved ones have Alzheimer’s disease is in keeping a connection to that loved one. It doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think, although it helps you to keep some concepts in mind as you go through every day with your loved one.
Let Go of Expectations.
Often a big part of the difficulty in communicating and connecting with your loved one is that you have expectations about what that connection is going to look and feel like. When reality doesn’t meet up with those expectations, you might think that you’ve done something wrong or that you should be doing more. In reality, your expectations may be what needs adjusting.
Practice Gratitude.
Gratitude can do so much for both you and your loved one. Remind yourself that you’re in a good position to be able to be her primary caregiver now, when she needs you the most. Be grateful also for the good times that you and your loved one still have together. While you’re at it, find reasons to be grateful for the difficult moments, too, even if it’s that your loved one is teaching you more about patience.
Let Silences Happen.
Many caregivers worry when their loved ones don’t have much to say or don’t want to communicate. Those silences can help both of you to reconnect later, so they’re serving a purpose. Learn to listen and enjoy those silences for what they are. They don’t have to be as ominous as they might feel to you at first.
Just Love Your Loved One.
The biggest way for you to connect with your loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is simply to love her. When you love her with your whole heart, all the rest will follow. The connection that you forge with your loved one doesn’t have to be complicated or be the same as anyone else’s.
Work with all of the tools at your disposal to help your loved one, but don’t forget that you need time away, too. Hiring elder care providers can help you to recharge so you’re ready to connect again with your loved one.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Buford, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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