Family Caregiver 101: How Do You Know You Are in Denial?

It is most commonly known for elderly loved ones to reject home health care in Richfield Minnesota because they are in denial. But about half of the families in the U.S. admit that they are also in the denial stage amidst the signs and symptoms of their elders’ condition.

Denial is the refusal to admit the truth or reality. Family caregivers can often have a difficult time accepting the truth about a loved one’s recent dementia diagnosis. However, the long you remain in this state, the more dangerous the situation can become.

Anika Home Care, a long trusted source of home health care in Richfield Minnesota, believes that it is vital for caregivers to fully recognize their loved one’s situations and accept a realistic perspective about the future. In this way, you can ensure the best quality of life for your loved ones and you can also reduce the typical “caregiver stress” you may face.

So, how do you know you are in denial?

Ignoring the signs and symptoms

Are your elders having trouble with communication? Are they getting confused with time and space? Are they struggling to complete basic daily tasks? Have your elders checked with your physician to fully realize their condition which may be Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia. You should not take a blind eye over these signs.

Rationalizing new behaviors

Do you really think their bizarre or unconventional action and mood swings are just normal behaviors? Or are you simply throwing the “paranoia” to stress and tiredness? Never deny these symptoms as these may be distress calls in their body trying to tell you there is something wrong!

Allowing elders to continue their usual lives

The aging conditions bring about lifestyle changes like sooner or later they will not be able to drive or walk alone, and wandering might be a serious risk as well. Cooking dinner for himself or herself alone is dangerous. You would want to avoid the worst results to happen.

Suppressing your feelings

It is common to suppress your feelings about your situation when you are in denial. However, do not let the feelings you have no control over a lead to anger and other strong emotions; it might hurt others who do not deserve it. You might think you understand what you loved one is going through but it is still important to sit down and discuss your loved one’s feelings.

Not seeking professional support

Having a caregiver to provide the right home health care in Richfield Minnesota for your elderly loved ones can aid in your denial. There is also caregiver support group to join in so you can get objective opinions from a professional and others who are in similar situations.

Always remember that denial can lead to serious consequences for you and your loved ones. Knowing that your loved ones’ health are deteriorating is painful but not accepting that fact and letting it happen on its own is not going to help them live longer which can also lead to painful end results like falls and medication overdoses.

Call Anika Home Care today for a trustworthy source of home health care in Richfield Minnesota to help your elders manage their ailments!

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