Few things can be more difficult for seniors than finding out they have a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. As the disease progresses and the need for home care Mississauga grows, new challenges will come that need to be addressed. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease, one of the best things he or she can do is join a support group geared specifically toward his or her condition. Here are just a few of the benefits these support groups offer.
1. Empathy and Understanding
One of the most difficult things about being diagnosed with a degenerative disease is the sense of isolation that can come with it. Many people with these diseases admit to feeling as if no one else in the world understands what they are feeling or going through. While you may be doing your best to understand and be supportive of your loved one’s situation, it’s very different from actually having the diagnosis. Being involved in a support group gives your loved one a chance to interact with others who can empathize with his or her feelings about the disease, which can help alleviate the stress of feeling isolated.
2. Confidentiality
Those who attend support groups are often asked to sign a consent form agreeing that anything said in the group is to be kept private. This confidentiality can help your loved one feel comfortable opening up and knowing his or her feelings will not leave the room.
3. Tips for Living with the Condition
Members of the support group who have been managing their disease for a long time may have a number of tips to share with your loved one about living with the condition. When a number of people get together to talk and share ideas, many good suggestions often come up, which can be useful for everyone in the group and help make everyone’s lives easier.
4. Preparation for Developments of the Disease
Support groups often include people in various stages of a degenerative disease. While seeing people further along in the disease’s progression may be difficult for your loved one, he or she can talk to these people and get a good idea of what to expect. Learning and preparing for the next stages of the disease from someone already experiencing them may be more comforting than trying to do so in a doctor’s office.
In addition to the help of support groups, make sure your loved one has the professional support he or she needs at home. At Home Care Assistance, we provide comprehensive care for seniors with a variety of degenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s care in Mississauga. This can include, but is not limited to, assistance with exercise and mobility, mental and social stimulation, and help with tasks around the house like cooking and cleaning. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our experienced Care Managers at 905-337-1200 today.