As a couple, you’ve accomplished so much. You’ve raised a family, enjoyed a rewarding career, and fallen in love. Yet, you’ve long since taken your vows, and for better or worse, in sickness and in health, it’s till death do us part.
Marriage is one of the most significant emotional connections you can have with someone, and it is not always an easy road. One of the most considerable hardships comes as we age, and one partner’s health begins to decline before the other. There may be a time when you have to consider changing your lifestyle to support your partner in that uncertainty.
How do I take care of someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative mental condition that is only one of the many forms of dementia. It is unpredictable, unannounced, and now seen to affect people before retirement age. Becoming a caretaker for your partner is possible, but it is admittedly strenuous.
In one woman’s story of the journey of discovering her husband’s experience with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, the emotional unrest becomes overwhelming. A trip to the University of California, San Francisco confirmed and changed their plans for the future in an instant.
If your husband or wife is experiencing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or another form of dementia, consider the process of caretaking:
- Managing frustration, paranoia, and confusion
- Managing medications and doctor visits
- Preparing meals with brain-healthy ingredients
- Losing needed socialization for both of you
- Providing activities that preserve brain health
- Experiencing caretaker guilt
What options do I have besides being the caretaker?
In central California, Elk Grove Park provides memory care and assisted living services for this exact situation.
How do I talk to my partner about moving into an assisted living or memory care community?
The first step is planning for the future. If your husband or wife is in the early stages, it’s essential to include them in conversations and let them know their feelings are important and considered. The ability to understand future legal, financial, and medical options can lift a huge burden. While this step is a gambit, it’s imperative to the aging process.
From a first-hand account, helpful recommendations include:
- Being honest about your emotional and physical well being
- Acknowledging your partner’s point of view
- Bringing in a neutral third party into the discussion
- Considering a support group in the Elk Grove area for ideas from people in similar positions
How can Elk Grove Park help my partner’s experience with Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Close to Sacramento, Elk Grove Park in Elk Grove, CA has long been a trusted asset for assisted living and memory care. Our community is unique by design and made up of five cottages, each housing 15 apartments. Each cottage includes a common area for socialization, but you can enjoy plenty of privacy in your own home. In addition, participating in community activities is a great way to spend time with your loved one. Our community is like a mix of hospitality and healthcare.
| Environment |
|
| Team |
|
| Amenities |
|
What is the Connections program for Alzheimer’s and dementia care?
While there is currently no cure for these cognitive conditions, research is discovering new ways of preserving independence for people living with these setbacks. Our Connections program studies these findings and encourages four main goals that drive the program:
- Activities like art, music, and socialization engage the emotions
- Walking club and chair yoga are ways to encourage movement and maximize the quality of life
- Stimulating word games and reminiscing over stories challenge the brain
- From group activities to multiple common areas, we are constantly supporting socialization for all residents
Our team of associates includes registered nurses who can aid in:
- Diabetic care
- Incontinence care
- Medication assistance, administration, and management
- Dressing, bathing, and grooming assistance
- Help traveling around the community
- Continual monitoring of health and behavior tracking
What are the first steps to Alzheimer’s care for my spouse?
Supporting the independence of your spouse and yourself is not something you should do alone. Accept help and take care of yourself so that you can continue to share and enjoy time with the person you love the most. Stay as informed as you can about what your husband or wife is going through so you both have the opportunity to live well.