Sometimes, the person who is diagnosed with dementia feels shame and embarrassment because of their diagnosis. This can be difficult on your elderly loved one. It can make them isolate and act out. However, there are ways that you and elder care providers can help your elderly loved one to overcome the embarrassment of a dementia diagnosis.
Get a Better Evaluation
If your elderly loved one was just diagnosed with dementia, but the doctor didn’t do much to help, you can find your loved one a new doctor. While there isn’t a cure for this disease, getting a better evaluation and care plan for your elderly loved one, can help a great deal. Have your elderly loved one see a doctor that is experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to dementia. If you can’t be around to take your loved one for regular appointments, you can hire an elder care provider to help out.
Be Open with People About the Diagnosis
One of the ways that you can help your elderly loved one feel less embarrassed is to be open with others about the diagnosis. If others in the family know about the diagnosis, they are less likely to make uncomfortable remarks or looks when talking to or seeing your elderly loved one. Encourage everyone else in the family to learn all they can about dementia. If they have questions that you don’t know the answers to, find the answers for them.
Get Into a Dementia Support Group
While you may think you know what you are doing, the things you are doing might be causing your elderly loved one to be even more embarrassed. By joining a dementia support group, you can learn how to be the best family caregiver to your loved one. You can learn more about what to do and what not to do. In addition, the diagnosis may be difficult for you, as well. Going to support group meetings can help you to get the support that you need.
Include Your Loved One
If you are leaving your elderly loved one out of events and social engagements, this could make them feel even more embarrassed about their dementia diagnosis. It is important to do all that you can to make your elderly loved one feel more included. If that means having to hire an elder care provider to come along, so they can help keep an eye on your loved one, do that. Making your elderly loved one feel more included can make them more comfortable with their diagnosis.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways to help your elderly loved one overcome the embarrassment they are feeling regarding the dementia diagnosis. This disease can be very difficult for your elderly loved one. Be sure to do all that you can to help them feel better.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Goodyear, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources at (602) 443-4700
Sources
https://link.springer.com/
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