Why is psychological help necessary when caring for loved ones? A professional can help you more in-depth and a specialist in this area knows what to focus on.
Read: Psychological help in caring for loved ones or help from a friend?
Is your father forgetting? Deal with the transmitted signals in time. He will probably need your support and care. How to do it?
Is your father forgetting? Deal with the signals in time.
He'll probably need your support and care.
How do you do that?
Medical evaluation - Are you noticing that your father is forgetting more and more often? Get your father a specialized neurology or gerontopsychiatry evaluation. Once the correct diagnosis is confirmed, further treatment steps and interventions can be better planned. Diagnosis and adjustment of medical care, including medications, regular check-ups and therapies, can help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms.
Long-term care - Discuss with professionals your father's long-term care options (home care, nursing home care, respite care, etc.).
Legal matters - Get all legal documents in order, such as a will, power of attorney, life planning, advance health care plans and estate care plans. Verify that they are current and valid. Don't be afraid to contact a lawyer who specializes in probate and estate planning issues.
Finances - Take care of all financial matters. Since your father is forgetful, you need to take charge of everything from paying the bills, to managing the estate, to making sure there are sufficient funds needed for his care.
Family support - Involve other family members or friends in your father's care. If you can, it will help and take the pressure off.
Self-care - Don't forget about your own well-being and health. When Dad forgets, he needs your 100% concentration. And that is physically and emotionally demanding. Find time to rest, take care of yourself and seek your own support.
Communication - Open and regular communication with doctors, care providers and other important people involved in your father's care is guaranteed to help.
We've listed just a few key steps to consider when your father develops some form of dementia. But every situation is unique, so your care plan must be tailored to your family's specific needs and circumstances.
