A diagnosis of dementia for an aging parent can bring about a variety of emotions. While uncertainty and sadness are common emotions a senior’s adult children and family members will face, there can also be feelings of selfishness and guilt. Here’s how to identify and examine some of these feelings and better handle them.
The Feelings after a Life-Altering Diagnosis
When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, those who are closest to the senior will often be most affected. If you’re the son or daughter of a senior who has recently been diagnosed with dementia, your initial reaction may be to ask “Who will take care of Mom or Dad? What am I going to do? How am I going to manage everything? Why me?” Asking yourself these questions may seem selfish, but it’s very normal to feel this way and question how your life is going to change as the result of your loved one’s diagnosis.
Dementia can be particularly difficult to handle, and both seniors and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Understanding Where the Feelings Are Coming From
As mentioned previously, sadness is often a part of the process, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. You may also feel resentment, anger, and feelings of helplessness. These feelings aren’t just a result of the actual diagnosis of dementia but also the changes the diagnosis will bring to your life. When planning their futures, many people don’t envision having to care for aging loved ones, and they may have to make considerable lifestyle adjustments to do so. This is where the resentment and anger often come from.
Addressing the Roller Coaster of Emotions
It’s perfectly healthy and normal for the emotions surrounding such a diagnosis to focus inward rather than on your loved one. What isn’t healthy is to shame yourself for having such feelings. You should acknowledge how you feel and why you feel this way. Only then can you address such emotions. Talking to someone in a similar situation or joining a support group can also help, as others have gone through the same roller coaster of emotions and can share tips and tricks for how to best handle the situation through each stage of the disease.
Your loved one may also get a great deal of benefit from having the assistance of a professional caregiver, who can provide information and emotional support. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Fort Lauderdale families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Moving Forward with Confidence
With the right planning and support systems in place, it’s possible to tackle a dementia diagnosis with confidence. Do as much research as you can about the disease, and look into local support services that can help your loved one. If you plan on becoming the primary caregiver for your loved one, be honest with yourself about the challenges of caring for another person, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends, family, and professional caregivers can offer you the level of assistance you need as the disease progresses and your loved one’s needs change over time.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Fort Lauderdale families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.
