Is Your Elderly Mom's Alzheimer's-Related Wandering Keeping Your Dad Up At Night? 3 Tips To Help Him Adjust To Live-In Care
Posted on: 8 September 2018
If your mother suffers from Alzheimer's, it is likely you've watched your dad take on more responsibilities for your mother's care over the years. While you may admire his fortitude, there also comes a point when everyone needs help. Wandering is one Alzheimer's-related behavior that often leads to extreme stress and fatigue in caregivers, and going without sleep places your dad at risk for health issues that could stop him from being able to continue with his role. Although he may not quite feel like he's ready for a live-in health aide, you can use these tips to help him get used to having a professional caregiver at home helping to keep your mom safe.
Ask For Caregiver Preferences
People who become live-in caregivers do so because they are compassionate and want to help older adults and people with health issues continue to enjoy a high-quality life. However, they also have varying personalities and characteristics that make some caregivers a better fit for a senior to someone else. For example, your dad may prefer to have someone take care of your mom that can talk to her about similar interests. He may also want someone experienced with Alzheimer's care. Doing your best to meet your dad's preferences helps to ensure that everyone gets along once the caregiver moves in.
Establish a Sense of Privacy
Having someone move into his home may cause your dad to feel as though he is losing his sense of privacy. Fortunately, professional caregivers are adept at respecting the privacy of everyone living in the home, and your mom's caregiver will do their best to avoid stepping over any boundaries. Talk to your dad about any concerns that he may have about privacy so that you can take steps to address them now. For instance, you may need to set up a private area for the caregiver to sleep when they are not on duty.
Discuss Roles and Responsibilities
Home health aides play a variety of roles, and your dad needs to communicate with your mom's caregiver about who handles the different responsibilities involved with your mom's care. For instance, they can set up a schedule that lets your dad know when he needs to step in during the caregiver's break. If your dad prefers to help your mom with things such as getting dressed or preparing a meal, then letting the caregiver know helps them avoid stepping on his toes.
When a live-in health aide moves in, you can expect a short adjustment period. Yet, establishing expectations early on is one of the best ways to help your dad begin to get more rest while your mom receives professional care.
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