Maybe your father felt strongly about staying in his own home after your mother passed away. Of course, he wanted to maintain his independence. In addition, being in the home where he lived with his beloved wife was probably a tremendous comfort to him. Unfortunately, maybe he has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
If you are looking for help during this difficult time, you have come to the right place. Keep reading for ideas that might prove to be beneficial to your father and to you.
Think Of Things You Can Do To Help Your Father At Your Home - Perhaps the time has come that even your father will agree that it's time for him to live with you and your family.
Your father's doctor will probably have helpful reading material that will help you to take each step as the disease progresses. In addition, think about talking to a friend or an extended family member who is also caring for a loved one who has severe memory problems. Get specific ideas on what that person does that have been helpful as he or she has cared for his or her loved one. For instance, you might learn that it is important to have a very structured day set up for your father.
It's easy to forget that you are carrying a heavy load. You might be reminded to have a strong support system. That support system might be in the form of a trained nurse who comes to help you daily, or on a specific day of the week.
Know When It's Time For Your Father To Go To A Memory Care Facility - Is your father wandering away from your home? Maybe he has tried to cook and has caused a minor fire in the kitchen. Obviously, you're thanking your lucky stars that a disaster didn't happen in either case or in other dangerous circumstances. But, you might also realize that it's time to move your father to a memory care facility.
At the memory care facility, your father will be cared for by an experienced medical team. His medications will be administered according to his doctor's directions. Your father will be kept totally safe, not even being able to leave the premises without proper supervision. In addition, a social director will plan things like crafts, movie matinees, and other pleasant activities. If your father enjoyed gardening in the past, he might have the opportunity to work on the garden at the memory care facility.
One of the nicest things you can do when your father moves into a memory care facility is to set up his bedroom with his own belongings. Be sure to include family pictures as part of the room's decor. And, of course, frequent visits will be important, even if the time comes when your father doesn't recognize you.
To learn more, contact a resource like Siskiyou Springs Senior Living.