Alzheimer, we need to talk about it?
In fact, the parents we often meet tell us they want to protect the children,
However, a child who does not understand may resent their grandparents "for being like this," or imagine their own reasons for this change, and thus not want to see their grandparents, and even develop some resentment towards them. And these misunderstandings cause suffering for the children. Therefore, it is necessary to take the time to explain the illness to them, even if it is not easy. Here we will try to give you some advice.
JOE
A version for people with mild Alzheimer's
EDITH
A version for people with advanced Alzheimer's
E-SOUVENIRS
Using memories for reminiscence purposes
Are you wondering how to explain Alzheimer's to a child? Our trainers Edith and Joe are here to help you.
Tips for explaining Alzheimer's to a child
"Why is grandma like this? Why does she always forget my name?" These are some of the questions your children may ask you when they feel lost in the face of their grandparents' behavioral and mood changes. So, says Suzie, how do we explain Alzheimer's disease to them?
How to explain the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease to a child
The simplest thing at first is to let the child speak: What are they afraid of? What worries them?
This will make it easier to explain the key elements they need to understand:
- This disease is not contagious.
- This disease causes difficulties in daily life in remembering events, names, their way, etc. Feel free to explain these symptoms based on specific events the child has experienced with their grandparents.
- One must be patient and realize that it is not easy for a sick person to realize they are forgetting things... and even more so that, unfortunately, it cannot be cured yet. And even though their abilities deteriorate, they will always remain your grandmother or grandfather!
Finally, your children are very clever and creative; they may even suggest new forms of communication adapted with their own parents. Our memory games and brain training are often used in retirement homes in the Alzheimer's unit, and caregivers have realized that it is a wonderful tool for families to continue having an activity together, and it is often magical to have grandparents play with their grandchildren on a tablet.
Don't hesitate, the hardest part is starting the conversation!
Feel free to contact us to discuss it, or reach out to other caregivers, on the social network www.e-aidants.com.
Playful applications to train memory
Children's emotions in the face of Alzheimer's disease
It is normal for children to feel a range of emotions in response to their grandparents' Alzheimer's disease. Here are some common emotions and how to address them:
- Confusion: Children may not understand why their grandparents are changing. It is essential to explain to them that it is due to an illness affecting their memory.
- Sadness: They may feel sad seeing their loved ones change. Encourage them to share their feelings and talk about their happy memories.
- Fear: Some children may fear losing their grandparents. Reassure them by saying that although the disease changes some things, love remains intact.
By openly discussing these emotions, you can help children understand and manage them better.
Activities to do with a loved one with Alzheimer's
Spending time with a loved one with Alzheimer's can be beneficial for both parties. Here are some simple and suitable activities:
- Looking at photos: Turning the pages of photo albums together can rekindle memories and spark conversations.
- Listening to music: Music has the power to stimulate memory. Choose songs that your loved one enjoyed.
- Playing simple games: Adapted board games or memory games can be both fun and beneficial.
- Gardening: If possible, gardening together can be a relaxing and enriching activity.
These activities foster intergenerational bonding and provide comfort.
Resources and tools to support families
There are numerous resources to help families navigate Alzheimer's disease. Here are some useful tools:
- Books and guides: Specialized works on Alzheimer's disease can provide valuable information.
- Support groups: Joining a local or online support group allows sharing experiences and gaining advice.
- Mobile applications: Some applications are designed to help manage Alzheimer's symptoms and stimulate memory.
- Health professionals: Consulting with specialized doctors or psychologists can offer appropriate support.
These resources can help families better understand and manage the disease in their daily lives.
Preparing children for future changes
It is important to prepare children for possible changes in their relationship with their grandparents. Here are some tips:
- Encourage communication: Teach children to express their feelings and ask questions.
- Create memories: Encourage them to spend quality time with their grandparents to create lasting memories.
- Educate about the disease: Inform them about the progression of the disease so they can better understand what is happening.
- Value present moments: Teach them to appreciate every moment spent together, even if it is different.
These steps can help strengthen family bonds and mitigate the pain of upcoming changes.
