If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and you're going to take on the role of caregiver, it's important that you prepare yourself for the journey. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's becomes a full-time job, one that can be both stressful and rewarding at the same time. One of the most important things you can remember is that you're going to need some time for yourself, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Allowing yourself a few quiet moments will help you refresh and avoid the burnout that often accompanies caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Even if you decide that placing your parent in an assisted living facility that provides memory care, you're still going to be needed as a caregiver. Here are three tips that will help you provide your parent the care they'll need.

Learn a New Way to Communicate

When you begin caring for your parent after the Alzheimer's diagnosis, the one thing you'll find is that you'll need to learn a new way to communicate. Even if you and your parent were once able to communicate openly and effectively, you may find that the way you once communicated will no longer work. That's why it's important that you start finding new ways to communicate as quickly as you can. Try using shorter sentences and waiting a longer period of time for a response. It may also help to maintain a soothing tone in your voice. Once you find the technique that works best for your parent, you'll be able to continue communicating. However, it's important to note that you may need to adjust your communication techniques as the disease progresses.

Provide New Forms of Independence

Becoming dependent on others can be a difficult adjustment. It's important to remember that your parent will benefit from some form of independence. To help your parent adjust to their new life, try to provide them with new forms of independence, even if it's just choosing what they'll eat or wear each day. Allowing them to continue making some of their own decisions will help with their adjustment.

Find Joy in the Moments

Now that your parent has Alzheimer's, you know that it's just a matter of time before their memory fails them. Be sure to find joy in the moments while you have them. As their memories fade, you may find that they remember you less often, or have a difficult time remembering things that they once enjoyed. When the memories are present, enjoy them while you can. It's also important that you find new ways to enjoy moments with your parent, even if it's by cultivating a friendship, rather than the child/parent relationship you long for.

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