Explaining Alzheimer's To Younger Family Members

There are many things to take into consideration when a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is likely that many of your family members will have already suspected that your loved one was having difficulties, however, younger family members, such as grandchildren or great grandchildren may not have realized that their relative was having problems. For this reason it is very important that you take time to explain this illness to younger family members so that they will know what to expect and how deal with their own emotions when their loved one is transitioned into Senior Independent Living or Home Senior Care.

Be Honest

Although it may seem like a difficult thing to explain to children, it is better to go ahead and explain to younger family members concerning their loved one’s health rather than try to make up excuses or cover up what is really going on. Children actually can take the truth of things like this better than adults sometimes. What children do not take well is being lied to. If your loved one will be making a transition into senior independent living it is a good idea to prepare younger family members for this well in advanced, so that they can emotionally prepare themselves for this change. It is also good to point out that they can still be an important part of their loved one’s life once they have made the move into home senior care.

Get Them Involved

One of the best ways to relieve stress or fearfulness is to get the younger family members involved in care for their loved one. This could include things as simple as encouraging them to spend time with their relative, play games that the relative enjoys or just taking a walk as a family. All of this is part of care. You could encourage younger family members to make activity ideas of things that will be fun to do with their loved one once they have moved. This can take the edge off of the stress of moving and give everyone something positive to look forward to.

Educate Them

It is important for younger family members to have some sort of understanding of what Alzheimer’s is as well. Depending on their age, you will have to decide how much you want to tell them, but it is good for them to understand what is happening and why. Education on the issue will make the transition less intimidating and scary for a young family member.