When a Grandparent Has Alzheimer’s Disease: The Best Ways to Talk with a Teen About Alzheimer’s Disease
Understanding a disease like dementia or Alzheimer's is hard for adults. For children and teens, it is even more difficult. The changes and unusual behaviors they see in a beloved grandparent may scare them or make them feel sad. Knowing when and how to talk with them can help.
The dementia care experts at Fall River Jewish Home suggest the following:
· Begin by sharing information. The Alzheimer's Association has a video library (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH1gN0UfjVY). Kids Look at Alzheimer's disease is a video series done by kids for kids. It's a great place to start. There is a series for kids and a series for teens.
·Ask them how they are feeling. They may need an opportunity to vent or cry just like an adult would. There may also be an underlying fear that a parent or
someone else close to them will "catch it".
· Talk with them about ways to communicate with their grandparent. It is probably a good idea to start this early on. Knowing to approach someone with Alzheimer's from the front where they can see you best is important. And to be patient and calm with them.
· You might want to consider making a list of things they can still do with their grandparent, even as the disease robs them of their memory. Examples would be; To listen to old music and dance a little; To bake cookies or a cake together; To look at old photos.
· Make sure they understand this is a disease. It may be difficult for them to understand how their grandparent can act so strangely. It doesn't mean they
don't love them anymore if they do something that hurts their feelings or they don't recognize them. It means the disease is progressing. Accepting that may
be the greatest struggle your family will have.
Do you know a teenager who is having trouble relating to their grandparent with Alzheimer's or dementia? How are they handling it? How are you helping them understand the disease? Please share below.
We're here to answer questions and help you make the best decision for care for you or your loved one. We invite you to reach out and talk with
one of our care specialists at Fall River Jewish Home today! CALL 1.508.679.6172, where assistance is just a phone call away.
