If your child’s grandparent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be difficult to know how to help them understand and cope with the news. From the addition of home health care equipment to the behavior of your loved one, there are many changes that will affect your child. Below is some brief advice on how to speak with them about the condition and help them navigate it.

How to Help Your Child Understand & Cope When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s Disease

1. Answer Their Questions

Answer their questions honestly and openly. Your child will observe how you’re acting to see how they should act, and becoming uncomfortable or avoidant will discourage your child from talking about it. Being able to speak about the condition will help them better understand it and sympathize with their grandparent, and it will make it easier for them to cope. Speaking about it with them will also help them open up if they’re struggling or become overwhelmed.

2. Let Them Know What to Expect

Explain to your child that your loved one won’t always act or speak like they used to and that this may become more common with time. Provide examples, such as not remembering names or forgetting to take their medicine, and explain that these events aren’t in their grandparent’s control. Make sure your child understands that their grandparent still loves them, even if they have trouble recognizing them and that they can still have a relationship with them through talking and activities. You should also discuss ways this will affect your living situation so they can be prepared. This includes new rules, the presence of home health care providers, medical equipment, safety equipment, and organizational changes in your house.

3. Support Them

This disease is hard for everyone, and while your child’s grandparent likely has a home health care provider and you to care for them, your child just has you. Make sure they have someone to talk to, such as a counselor, and keep their life as normal as possible to minimize their stress. Children can often feel left out, lonely, or ignored if the grandparent takes all of your time and attention, so spend time with them regularly. This could be as simple as going to the park once a week while a home health care provider stays with your loved one.

If you’re searching for home health care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s, reach out to Lifetime Care in Rochester, NY. Founded in 1960, this Medicare-certified home elderly care provider has been honored as a leading health agency in the country every year since 2006, and they’re recognized as a charitable home aide and health care organization. Their six locations offer compassionate home aide and health services that are affordable and individualized to each patient’s needs. Learn about their home health services online, and call (585) 214-1000 to arrange care.