Early Onset Care: How to Plan for a Parent With Dementia

Early-onset dementia is any type of dementia that affects someone under 65 years old. This can happen to people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

If you have a parent with early-onset dementia, you may face unique challenges. Your parent may still be working, raising families, and providing financial support.

On the other hand, you're suddenly thrust into a role reversal, figuring out how to deal with a parent with dementia. But don't worry; there's a way to make this journey manageable for you and your loved one. Continue reading for the information you need to steer life in this new direction.

Adjusting Work Arrangements

If your parent is still employed, they may need to change roles or take time off. Discuss the situation with their employer and explore options to support their continued employment. Employers have a legal obligation to accommodate employees with a dementia diagnosis.

Managing Finances

Seek a financial advisor's aid to navigate money matters. Explore disability pensions and other support. If you're a caregiver for your parent with dementia, find out what financial help is available to you, such as Medicaid or Veterans Services.

Understanding Legal Rights

Familiarize yourself with anti-discrimination laws and the rights of individuals with dementia. This knowledge can protect your parent from unfair treatment in insurance, housing, and employment matters. If they run a business or serve as a director, remember that they still have legal responsibilities.

Home Adjustments

Eliminate possible trip hazards, including excess furniture, electrical cords, and rugs. Keep walkways clear to prevent falls.

Label cabinets, drawers, and rooms with large, easy-to-read words. Pictures depicting what's inside a container or what a room is for are also useful. It helps your parent find things and reduces confusion.

Enhance lighting in your home to prevent shadows and improve mood. This can be achieved with higher-wattage light bulbs, lamps, and under-cabinet lighting. Consider night lights for the bedroom and bathroom, too.

Using Adult Care Services

Explore adult care services to support your parent's needs. Adult family homes in Vancouver and other areas can provide personalized care.

Adult family homes are residential facilities that offer a supportive, home-like environment for individuals requiring assistance with daily living tasks. These homes typically house a small number of residents. They offer nutritious meals and social activities.

Supporting Your Parent's Mental Health

Encourage them to stay connected with friends and family and engage in activities they enjoy. These interactions help stimulate their brain, which helps them maintain cognitive function. Staying connected with their social circle can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and help maintain their sense of identity.

How to Deal with a Parent With Dementia

Learning how to deal with a parent with dementia involves varied aspects like adjusting work schedules, managing finances, and discovering suitable adult care services. Mental stimulation and social engagement play a pivotal role in their life, too.

The effort you make is proof of your unwavering love and commitment to your parent's well-being. For more health tips that may support your journey with your parent, read our blog.