Dementia
When your parents are diagnosed with dementia, a lot of things happen.
Sadness over the diagnosis but often also "puzzle pieces" falling into place of things that have happened or been noticed in recent years. What it also brings with it is uncertainty for the future. How will things continue?
What help will he or she or both parents need and who can provide that help?
Is it feasible for you to do what is needed?
Will the help be accepted?
You are faced with situations you have never faced before. On the one hand your father or mother is still there and on the other hand he or she is not or reacts very differently than you expect from him or her. Sometimes you encounter resistance, sometimes you do not know how to react in certain situations.
For example, how do you handle it when your mother wants to visit her long-dead mother?
Or how do you dissuade your father from driving if it can no longer be done safely and he himself thinks there is no problem?
In addition to these kinds of questions, there is also the question: How do you take good care of yourself in these circumstances and ensure a good balance? Because if you fall down yourself, you can no longer assist your father or mother.
With these and all the other questions you may run into as a caregiver help Nienke Hoogstraten Of Now Psychologist would love to meet you!
