When it comes to caring for an adult with a cognitive impairment, the issues can become quite complex. Cognitively impaired people generally have difficulty with basic functions, including: perception, memory, concentration, and reasoning as a result of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, or other disability.
These conditions can present frustrating challenges for caregivers and families—even simple conversations may sometimes result in emotional exchanges that leave caregivers feeling fear, sadness, anxiety, guilt and even anger. And that’s normal. But there are things that can help. Here are ten simple steps that can help you navigate a difficult situation:
1. Establish a “baseline” for making decisions. What was mom “normally” like? When did she begin forgetting to take her medicine? When did she stop paying her bills? This is valuable information for you as well as for doctors and other professionals.
2. Get a medical assessment and diagnosis. Eliminate the possibility of depression or drug interactions causing symptoms that could be mistaken for serious diseases. And, most importantly, early diagnosis means chances for a positive outcome are greatly enhanced.
3. Educate yourself and your loved ones. Knowledge will increase your confidence and decrease anxiety in the face of “the unknown.”
4. Determine your loved one’s needs. Assessments include: Personal hygiene, household care, health care, emotional care, and supervision.
5. Once a diagnosis is made, outline a plan. Determine if siblings, neighbors, and friends can be part of your caregiver support team. Plus, have a “backup” should something happen to you.
6. Look at finances. Be aware of assets and liabilities and establish a system for paying bills. Perhaps a new checking account is in order or you may need to add your name to an existing account.
7. Review legal documents. Make sure you or another person can make legal, financial and healthcare decisions. Locate social security numbers, birth certificates, income tax returns, etc.
8. Safety-proof your home. Be aware of dangers, including appliances, sharp objects, poisons, medications, cluttered pathways, inadequate lighting, water temperature, and items that could cause a fall, such as hoses, tools, and gates.
9. Join a caregiver support group. Sharing experiences can be invaluable. You’ll learn you’re “not alone” and you’ll exchange social and emotional support. Although there’s nothing quite like a local support group where you can swap stories and solutions over a cup of coffee, don’t miss the opportunity to get the support you need virtually via disaboom’s forums, blogs, and chat rooms.
10. Prevent caregiver burnout by taking care of yourself. Exercise daily; eat properly; get adequate sleep; go for regular checkups; and take time for yourself—recreation isn’t a luxury, it’s vital!
Finally, always remember that you don’t have to do it alone! There is an extensive community of helping agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and condition-specific associations that provide caregiver support, information, resources, and contacts that are all ready to help.
For more information and support, visit the Caregivers United group on Disaboom.com.
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Some caregivers can experience harmful side effects of overextending themselves, including depression. Learn more about this common occurance and how to handle it, in Caregiving and Depression a Common Combination.
For more information about caregiving, see Caregiver Basics and Resources: What You Need to Know.
