One of the hardest parts of taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s is trying to figure out what they’re thinking and feeling. When the disease progresses to the point where they can’t tell you what they are feeling, you have to watch for unspoken clues. Sometimes you’ll get it right, but often you won’t.
Alzheimer’s home care can be a big help when you’re taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s. The care providers that specialize in Alzheimer’s care can help you figure out how to effectively communicate with your senior parent, and how to learn their silent communication cues.
When seniors with Alzheimer’s become overstimulated by their environment they can become aggressive or agitated. Usually, it’s because there is just too much going on around them. Lots of people, loud music or a loud TV, lights that are too bright, and other stimuli can make it hard for their brain to process all the information that it’s getting.
Here are 5 signs that can help you tell when your mom or dad is overstimulated and needs a break:
Increased Agitation or Irritability
If your senior parent becomes unusually upset, angry, or frustrated, it may indicate they are overwhelmed by their environment. This could manifest as sudden outbursts or restlessness. If you are watching TV, listening to music, or doing something else when this happens, that activity could be giving your mom or dad too much to process. Turn the TV or music off, and sit quietly with them.
Withdrawal or Apathy
A senior may start to withdraw from conversations or activities they typically enjoy. They might seem less engaged, look away, or stop participating altogether. This often happens when relatives or friends visit and your mom or dad can’t keep up with the conversation, or if there are too many people in the room.
Repetitive Speech or Actions
Overstimulation can lead to confusion and stress, causing a senior to repeat phrases or actions as they try to cope with their feelings. This behavior can include fidgeting or pacing. If you notice that your mom or dad is repeating the same story, sentence, or word over and over, that is a big clue that they need a break.
When that happens, take them to another room and let them calm down. This often can happen in the doctor’s office or out in public, especially if there is a crowded waiting room. Just take your mom or dad out in the hall or to the bathroom so they can get away from the overwhelming stimuli.
Physical Signs of Stress
Look for physical cues such as sweating, fidgeting, clenching fists, or changes in posture. These can signal that they are feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Physical signs of stress or physical changes in posture are a direct communication from your mom or dad, so pay close attention to their body language.
Difficulty Focusing or Processing Information
If your parent struggles to follow conversations or instructions that they usually handle well, it may indicate that they are overstimulated. They may also seem distracted or unable to concentrate on a task.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Acworth, GA, please contact the caring staff at Arose Home Care Services LLC today at (404) 720-5385
At Arose Home Care Services, LLC, we provide exceptional medical and non-medical home care for seniors and families in Carrollton, Marietta, Douglasville, Acworth, Fayetteville, Powder Springs, Hiram, Lithia Springs, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas in Georgia.
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