Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Re Kielar, Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
Q. When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimerās, I clearly noticed how differently his friends stopped engaging with him. It was very sad to watch. Can you address how it is important to maintain friendships even when it may seem challenging?
A. When a disease strikes a family, it is important to remember that so many things change. It is up to the family to adjust to this ānew normal.ā Alzheimerās disease is a thief in more ways than one. Not only does it steal from the patientās mind, but it robs in other ways. One such area is friendships. People, in general, donāt know how to respond to someone who has Alzheimerās and often simply retreat. Sadly, friendships can change because people donāt have the tools to communicate properly. Often friends may have difficulty displaying patience or think outside themselves. Any friendship takes effort and must be viewed as an important investment. The question is, how? When it comes to friendships and relationships, it is important to realize who your trusted circle of friends and family are. Keep those who are caring, patient and kind close by. Surround yourself with these people. Your medical team is important as well because they will be able to respond to questions you have that will help you navigate the medical changes that Alzheimerās brings to your life as well as the loved one in your life. A very important path includes connecting with a support group. A support group understands where you are and can have empathy along the journey. Another great part of a support group is the level of friendship and community that is born within it. New friendships can be formed and this may be a way to make the journey manageable and filled with comfort for you and your loved one.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to rkielar@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
