Closer than ever: How dementia brings families closer

Closer than ever: How dementia brings families closer

Like any other major event that one has to go through, dementia brings a life-altering impact to families. It affects a wide spectrum of things within the family circle, including relationships with users, friends, and the rest of the community.

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Whether you are experiencing dementia or you are caring for a family user with dementia, you will find that relationships will likely change over time as the situation progresses.

As weeks and months go by, a person with dementia will become irritable and almost always confused. Acceptance about what life with dementia may have in store for you may be a bit challenging to go through. Friends and other family users may also be hesitant to spend time with you as a result. This may be a difficult thing to manage and cope with for some family users, and adjustments have to be made quickly.

Feelings of exhaustion and frustration may become an everyday occurrence, but with the right understanding and access to the most ideal support for the family, relationships can continue to become healthy and nurturing even with dementia. Indeed, asking for help will always be the best first step in addressing life with dementia.

Interestingly, senior citizens have been identified as among the happiest demographic groups in the United States.[1] With old age comes an acceptance of things that only really matter to you, and family and relationships sit at the very core of what makes most American seniors happy.

Participation and involvement is key

As a premier provider of high-quality senior care, Geriatric Care Solution (GCS) knows how important family ties are in helping ensure that elders with dementia continue to live their lives with joy, dignity, and respect.

By propagating the principles of the Montessori method of care, GCS aims to empower family users to play an active role in helping their senior loved ones get by every day with the warmth of love and companionship.

Through Montessori activities that are laid out as part of our customized plan of care, families are able to spend time together to learn more about dementia, how it affects the body, and what can be done to manage certain manifestations. In line with this, our dedicated Care Managers and Case Managers are also tasked to discuss updates with the rest of the family to keep them informed about the progress of care their elder loved one is receiving. “As family users become more involved throughout the process, a sense of commitment, love, purpose, and responsibility will be felt inside the home. The younger users of the family start developing good habits anchored on these ideas, while the elder ones start opening up and reacting with calmness. This is exactly the kind of relationships we would like to help families enjoy despite the presence of dementia in their lives,” says Mon Villaroman, founder and chief executive officer of the California-based Geriatric Care Solution (GCS).

[1] https://www.littmankrooks.com/2018/11/family-ties-purpose-and-good-health-are-keys-to-happiness-among-seniors/