Treating dementia is difficult, especially because many forms of it, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are incurable. Recent studies suggest, though, that psychotherapy can assist with communication skills. This is by no means a cure, but it is a helpful step in slowing down the degenerative process that many types of dementia carry. It can increase the amount of quality time you are spending with your loved one, and make life a lot less frustrating for both parties. It doesn’t “fix” anything, but it does enhance the time that you will have together. In the latter years of their life, this is a priceless and invaluable favor that you could do for them.
Will this work for everyone? Certainly not. But if there is a possibility that it will work, it might be worth looking into. Begin by speaking with your loved one’s primary care physician and see what they think. They might have a totally different course of action for you to follow, and they are the professionals in this instance. Their opinion might differ from yours, and it’s most likely for a very good reason. Ask them what their thoughts are, and proceed from there.
Therapy of any sort can benefit in other aspects of senior care, too. For example, an elderly person might experience intense depression because of their new life situation. This is quite normal, but that doesn’t mean that it needs to be left ignored. In cases like these, many people find that cognitive behavioral therapy is best. Here, patients learn to not let the things that they cannot control in their lives bother them too much, and many go on to feeling happier than they have in years. This applies to some people that have never experienced depression in their lives, too.
What is the point of all of this? The point is that sometimes, people get bothered by medical and physical conditions beyond their control. This can lead to depression or anxiety. It’s true of the elderly receiving in-home care because of dementia, and it’s true for perfectly healthy younger people, too. If the proper mindset is found, though, the depression can often disappear. When this happens, communicating can become easier simply because the fog of mental illness finally lifts. The added bonus to this is that by helping with communication and mood, the perceived quality of life automatically improves at the same time. Even if there is no dementia involved, elderly individuals in need of care often experience depression. In-home care is a good way to help minimize this, but that doesn’t mean life will be perfect. Therapy of some sort can help put things in perspective and help them to overcome their limitations.
Finally, remember that therapy is just one piece of the puzzle. Other things will also benefit your elderly parent. These things include exercise, medications, physical therapy or rehab, as well as a wide range of leisure activities. Be sure to use these for your family members of all ages if they are recommended by a doctor and will provide a benefit.
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