It’s easy to forget about to care for someone, even family members, especially those living far away from us. Why is this so? Because we get so engrossed in trying to make sense of our lives, achieve goals and be reputable people in the society.
Why can’t I live my life, after all, they got their chance? It should be about you, shouldn’t it? But we can’t go about with selfish minds without willing to do something for our loved ones. It’s not enough to say ‘I love you’, but it would be when you show love.
It’s world Alzheimer’s month, this September. And it would be such a great show of kindness if you can show some kindness to elderly members of your family who have this disease or to others who have no one showing up for them.
For the benefit of those who do not know what the disease is about, Alzheimer’s is a progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. It is the commonest cause of premature senility, that is diminished cognitive function, as when memory is impaired, because of old age.
It is the leading cause of Dementia (a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities; defined by WHO). Here are symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s
● Memory loss (forget people, places, become repetitive, etc.)
● Change in personality (wandering, delusion, depression, social withdrawal, mood swings, etc.)
● Can’t make decisions (E.g, wearing shoes in the wrong feet)
What You Can Do
1. Take them for a check-up
While you may not be a skilled health-giver who understands their job requirements on how to care for an Alzheimer’s patient, you can also contribute your quota. Because of the state of unawareness, many with these diseases might be left unattended to. So, when you notice one with the symptoms above or a more extensive list by Mayo Clinic, you should take them to the hospital for a proper check-up.
2. Reassurance
This is not a time to treat your grandma or elderly exhibiting symptoms as though they were children. Reassure them because they are confused and need their minds to be at peace. Let them know that they are safe and ask what they would like you to do for them.
3. Talk to them
Use humour, if you can. The more you talk and laugh, the more you make them loosen up. They become free and safe around you.
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4. Do not argue
Trying to argue with them is entirely futile. They do not understand why you are going in that direction. Do not try to reason with them. Agree and find a way around what needs to be done.
5. Buy gifts
Comfortable shoes or sandals, blankets, shawls, card games and so on. Give them something to hold on to or keep them busy when you are not there.
6. Walk with them
Walk around. Take a stroll. It doesn’t have to be a long one. Just enough to get fresh air.
7. Donate towards the cause
By donating, you help the foundations supporting the movement spread the awareness of the disease to rural and urban areas where people are going about their daily lives with these symptoms. You also provide the means to take our oldies with conditions. To find out how you can support, follow the World Alzheimer’s Month page.
Did you know that September 21st was Alzheimer’s Day? Contribute your quota to humanity and help spread the word.
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