It would be helpful for the forum to have more context about the situation because it will determine what suggestions you get.
Are you related to this person or know them at all? Who asked you to visit this person? Are you a medical professional or work in social services or psychology? Unless you are, or you have some unstated experience in doing this in the past, then why would you be visiting someone you don't know? This would only add to the person's confusion.
If this person is in the early stages, then you would just treat them like you would any other time you went to visit them. It should be no different just because she now has early Alzheimer's. Whatever you normally talk to her about, you continue to talk to her about those things. And let her lead you. If she wants to talk about her diagnosis, then talk to her about it. Otherwise just enjoy your visit and talk about whatever comes up.
I would not do this until you are very clear on exactly what is going on. If the person(s) asksing you to do this are evasive, not forthcoming, unwilling to explain clearly, concisely their need(s) for you to do this, then they never will be able to be honest with you as far as this person's illness and their concerns. Why have you been asked to do this? Why was this not done in a medical/professional setting? Anger, confusion is extremely difficult to deal with, no matter what your health is at the time-I would not do this without getting a lot of help, support, information and certainly not alone. Do not agree to anything. Wait and see what happens. You do not want to be put into a posistion you may not be able to get out of or feel obligated to fullfill.
Why are you being asked to fo this? What is the goal for either of you? Are you about to be get roped into some longer role? Did you talk to this person before? Be careful about what you agree to do.
I recommend you approach them as you always have in the past. The beginnings of dementia are subtle. This person most likely still has their same thoughts and personality. Just visit and talk about ordinary things.
If they want to share their anger and frustrations over the diagnosis, try to be a good listener and empathetic. You can reassure them that friends and family will always be there for them, but don’t discount their condition. It’s real, it will continue to worsen, and it will have a profound effect on their life. But encourage them to remain as active and independent as possible. My mom continued to live independently for seven years after her diagnosis!
If you’re good with organizational skills, offer to help declutter and organize their home. For instance, Mom stayed independent only because she had her bills on autopay and her meds organized in pill reminder boxes.
5 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Are you related to this person or know them at all?
Who asked you to visit this person?
Are you a medical professional or work in social services or psychology? Unless you are, or you have some unstated experience in doing this in the past, then why would you be visiting someone you don't know? This would only add to the person's confusion.
Thanks for any extra info you can provide.
And let her lead you. If she wants to talk about her diagnosis, then talk to her about it. Otherwise just enjoy your visit and talk about whatever comes up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Why have you been asked to do this? Why was this not done in a medical/professional setting?
Anger, confusion is extremely difficult to deal with, no matter what your health is at the time-I would not do this without getting a lot of help, support, information and certainly not alone.
Do not agree to anything. Wait and see what happens. You do not want to be put into a posistion you may not be able to get out of or feel obligated to fullfill.
If they want to share their anger and frustrations over the diagnosis, try to be a good listener and empathetic. You can reassure them that friends and family will always be there for them, but don’t discount their condition. It’s real, it will continue to worsen, and it will have a profound effect on their life. But encourage them to remain as active and independent as possible. My mom continued to live independently for seven years after her diagnosis!
If you’re good with organizational skills, offer to help declutter and organize their home. For instance, Mom stayed independent only because she had her bills on autopay and her meds organized in pill reminder boxes.