We understand how difficult it is to talk with kids about a grandparent’s Alzheimer’s. Even adults have trouble understanding this baffling and debilitating disease. A senior family member may appear to be doing fine and enjoying themselves. Then seemingly without warning they are confused and maybe even a little paranoid. The unpredictability of Alzheimer’s can be bewildering and even frightening for children.
How can north Texas family caregivers explain Alzheimer’s disease to children?
We have a few tips to make the conversation go more smoothly.
Starting the Conversation about Alzheimer’s
- Have a Family Meeting: Pick a time and comfortable location to educate your children on Alzheimer’s and what they should expect. Don’t make the mistake of sharing behaviors your loved one isn’t exhibiting yet. You can tackle more advanced stages of the disease and the common behaviors associated with it once the kids have the general idea of what is happening.
Be sure you explain to your children that Alzheimer’s is a disease and the disease is the reason their grandparent or senior loved one acting differently. Remind them that their grandparent still loves them, but the illness is making life hard right now. Also make certain the kids understand that Alzheimer’s isn’t contagious like the flu or a cold. The idea that a parent or sibling might “catch it” can be frightening for kids. - Share Communication Tips: Another important issue to discuss with children is how to communicate. For example, encourage your children to approach their grandparent from the front where they can see the child coming. Because Alzheimer’s often causes a person’s peripheral vision to be damaged, they may be startled if someone approaches them from the side or the back. Also remind your kids to use a low, calm voice and when possible, try to avoid shouting or making loud noises around a family member with Alzheimer’s.
- Video Series: One tool you might find helpful in tackling this topic with your kids is a video library created by the Alzheimer’s Association. Kids Look at Alzheimer’s disease is a video project featuring children and teens discussing how a loved one’s Alzheimer’s has impacted them. One series was created for teens and the other for children.
- Promote Honest Discussion: During your conversation with the kids, encourage them to be open and honest about how they are feeling. For example, they may be upset that a grandparent was short with them or embarrassed by an unusual behavior. It could even be that they are frightened. Let your children know that you want them to share whatever it is they are feeling so you can talk through it together.
- Books That Help: If your children are young, there are several books available to help you discuss this disease. What’s Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver is one, and Still My Grandma by Veronique Van Den Abeele is another.
- Assemble a List of Activities: Finally, understand that your kids may be left wondering what they will still be able to do with a grandparent who has Alzheimer’s disease. Plan ahead by creating a list of activities the two generations can safely enjoy together. 101 Activities from the Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource for putting your list together.
Help Finding Memory Care in Dallas and Fort Worth
When the time comes and you need to find a Memory Care program in or around Dallas or Fort Worth, please remember the Senior Living Specialists. Our experienced caregivers can use our extensive knowledge of the local communities to help you make an informed choice.
Call us today at 214-929-5055 to learn more.
Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. We are compensated by a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home.
