Betty Friedan once said, “Ageing is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” It’s a beautiful quote that eloquently sums up the art of ageing.
Sometimes, an illness can get in the way of living out their final years in peace. If one of your parents was recently diagnosed with dementia, they may need help navigating their new normal. There’s no rule book on how to traverse these unchartered waters.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the long-term costs of caring for people with dementia are set to reach $1 trillion by 2050.
The illness is causing concern in Africa as the continent experiences longer life expectancy and an inadequate healthcare system.
The loss of brain function impacts millions of dementia sufferers and their families, but experts say it shouldn’t be seen as the standard for growing old.
It may feel like you’re drowning in a sea of uncertainty and anxiety. Take heart that there are resources available to make the process less daunting. Here are my crucial tips for caring for parents living with dementia.
Stick to a Routine
If you are the primary caregiver, it’s important to keep to a routine during the early stages of the disease, says Alzheimers.gov.
Simple tasks like bathing and serving meals should be consistent. This will alleviate the fear of uncertainty as the patient goes about with their daily lives.
Gerontological nurse practitioner Tina M. Baxter advises that structure is one of the most effective ways to support dementia patients.
She suggests waking up and going to bed at the same time and practising a pre or post-bathing ritual. This will decrease their anxiety and agitation.
If your parent is still able, encourage them to plan the day’s events in a calendar or planner. But be careful not to overwhelm them. It might discourage them from writing to-do lists or keeping records.
Choosing the Correct Care
You can’t always be there for your loved one when they need you the most. You must discuss the need for comprehensive care with your family members if your parent’s disease has advanced.
Palliative Care
There’s an urgent need for end-of-life care for dementia patients, say UK researchers. They’ve called on the government to invest in health and social care to meet the high demand.
The study found that the palliative care needs of people with dementia have been greatly underestimated. Unfortunately, the consensus is the same around the globe.
Dr Paul Perkins with bereavement support charity Sue Ryder tells The Independent that people are surprised to learn that dementia is a terminal illness. Dementia sufferers could benefit the most from palliative care.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provide treatment, care and support to dementia patients and their families. But their work isn’t only confined to end-of-life care. Their job encompasses a home assessment and advice on improving your parent’s quality of life.
To qualify as a psychiatric mental health nurse, a professional must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and be a registered nurse (RN). Various institutions offer online master of nursing degree programs to advance nursing education to the next level.
With a Master of Science – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree (MSN-PMHNP), there are many avenues these professionals can explore. Some practitioners prefer advanced nursing practice such as the community mental health field or interdisciplinary group practice facilities.
A master’s degree program combines theory with practical experience, preparing learners for the real world. Study topics include psychiatric mental health assessment, neuropsychopharmacology, and theoretical foundations.
Cleveland State University advises choosing an MSN degree program that provides clinical placement services as part of its coursework.
Assisted Living
During the early and middle stages of the disease, you must consider every possibility. Assisted living is recommended for people who are aware of their surroundings to some extent and take care of themselves in a safe, assisted environment.
Doctor of Public Health, Mary Mittelman tells Care that finding a balance will lead to a better quality of life. The longer they can participate in brain-stimulating activities like going for walks, the better.
Many assisted living facilities have specialised caregivers, trained in dementia care. They are there to fill a specific need like spotting signs of confusion or anger and dealing with it constructively.
It might be heartbreaking to place your parents in an assisted living home, but take comfort in the fact that they are surrounded by people who share the same cognitive abilities.
Skilled Nursing Care
According to the National Library of Medicine, the global prevalence of dementia is said to be as high as 24 million. With that said, sometimes facilities or specific institutions can’t take on more patients.
The next best thing is home care with the help of skilled nursing staff. Specialized Alzheimer’s nurses play an integral role in your parent’s treatment. Often, they are the first to make a diagnosis during routine check-ups or hospital visits.
Nurses qualified in Alzheimer’s care have specific personality traits. They are good communicators and have ounces of patience.
As with psychiatric mental health nurses, they need to be a qualified registered nurse. Clinical experience is a must, as well as a graduate degree majoring in psychiatry.
Exploring All Avenues
It’s hard having a conversation with your parent or family members regarding long-term care. No one wants to consider the worst-case scenario.
However, when it comes to your parent’s health, you only want the best for them. Consult their healthcare practitioner and you can plot a path for their treatment and care.