
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, especially a grandparent or elderly relative, it can be confusing and challenging for younger family members.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain, gradually impairing memory, thinking, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Children often have difficulty understanding Alzheimer’s. They may wonder why their loved one is changing. Why is grandma or grandpa’s behavior different from what they remember?
As families adjust to the new reality, the role of healthcare professionals in the home can be an essential component of managing the disease and providing necessary support. Care from Venture Forthe can make a significant impact in both supporting the patient and helping the family navigate these challenges.
Understanding Alzheimer’s: A Child’s Perspective
For many children, a grandparent or elderly relative represents a figure of comfort, security, and joy. But as Alzheimer’s progresses, these familiar figures may no longer be able to communicate in the same way or remember events, which can be deeply distressing for a young person. Here’s how to navigate a grandchild who needs help understanding Alzheimer’s disease:
-
Simple, Honest Explanations
Children often sense when something is wrong, even if they don’t fully understand why. While it’s important to protect children from distressing information, it’s equally crucial to provide them with age-appropriate explanations of Alzheimer’s. This might include saying something like:
“Grandma’s brain isn’t working as well as it used to, so sometimes she might forget things or act differently. It’s not her fault, and she still loves you very much.”
By giving children an understanding that the changes aren’t intentional, they can feel more at ease and less confused by their grandparent’s behavior. Simple explanations can also encourage empathy and patience from younger family members.
-
Encouraging Emotional Expression
It’s normal for children to feel sadness, frustration, or even fear when they notice that their loved one is not the same. Encourage children to express their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to feel upset. Sometimes, drawing pictures, writing letters, or simply talking can help children process their emotions.
Family activities such as looking through old photos or reminiscing about happy memories can also provide comfort and help younger children bond with their loved ones even if communication is challenging.
-
Offering Opportunities for Connection
Children might feel as though they are losing a part of their loved one as Alzheimer’s affects a grandparent’s memory or ability to interact. Find ways to help them continue to build relationships, even if they look different. Activities like listening to familiar songs, sharing favorite stories, or even engaging in simple physical activities (such as taking a walk together) can help foster moments of connection.
How Families Can Help Children Cope
Families, especially those who have both children and a loved one with Alzheimer’s, must work together to create an environment of understanding and support. Here are some additional tips for families to help children cope:
- Create a routine: Familiarity is crucial for both the person with Alzheimer’s and the children. A consistent routine can help everyone feel more secure.
- Be patient: Alzheimer’s affects everyone differently. Children will need patience as they adjust to the changes in their loved one’s behavior.
- Reach out for professional support: A family therapist, a support group, or home care, such as Venture Forthe, can offer additional tools for managing the challenges that come with Alzheimer’s care.
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease that affects the entire family, but with the right tools and support, even young children can learn to cope and adapt. Explaining the disease in an age-appropriate way, encouraging emotional expression, and providing opportunities for continued connection can help grandchildren and younger children navigate the challenges of having a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
At the same time, healthcare professionals from Venture Forthe can offer invaluable support, not just for the person with Alzheimer’s but for the entire family. They provide expertise, reassurance, and care strategies that ease the caregiving burden, allowing families to maintain quality of life during a difficult journey. By working together, families can foster an environment of love, empathy, and connection, even as Alzheimer’s progresses.