In my short time as a caregiver, it appears the general public has limited understanding about Alzheimer's care. When people visit my father, they assume he just "forgets." I explain his diagnosis and it is dismissed. Almost as if there is a level of exaggeration on my part. They do not comprehend he can not use the phone/ or that he doesn't recognize his own offspring. How do I deal with this denial and keep my father's privacy and integrity?
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WIshing you the best of luck dealing with all the family dynamics moving forward
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Maybe a video would be used? Try sending a link to a Teepa Snow video on YouTube.
Someone came up to us one time, and said how good I was doing this with her..
If your dad can walk, take hiim for a walk...to library, park, etc.
Hand in there...
Do keep him busy.. and by the end of the day, perhaps your guests will have a better idea of what this situation really is.
Have them hold dad, arm in arm, and go with them for a little walk up the street if possible... Keep you eye on dad, you don't want anything to happen to him while in the arms of someone who really hasn't walked in your shoes.
Play his favorite music when they arrive.
Privacy and Integrity ? With ALZ? Never heard of those hand in hand.. I would spell it out for those people in question, lay it on the line, show them... No privacy... Let them see it, let them feel it. let them live it for awhile, AND INVITE THEM BACK SO YOU CAN GET SOME RELAXATION FOR A BIT. WELCOME THEM TO YOUR HOME, AND MAKE IT FUN FOR DAD!!!! Perhaps you can put your head on a pillow for 5 minutes.
What do you mean by protecting his privacy? Can you clarify for us?
As suggested by poster “Alvadeer” I will print out educational material on Alzheimer’s Disease for the family.