Page 7 - SYNERGY HomeCare Magazine - Winter 2016
P. 7
WHAT’S WRONG WITH GRANDPA? EXPLAINING ALZHEIMER’S TO CHILDREN
With more than 5 million A s families learn to cope Grade 4 - Grade 7
people in the United with an older loved one’s An Early Winter
States diagnosed with Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Marion Dane Bauer
Alzheimer’s, chances are it’s important to help children
high that the disease will and teens understand what’s The Graduation of Jake Moon
touch your family in some happening to that person — both Barbara Park
way. Watching someone mentally and physically.
struggle with Alzheimer’s There are also many videos
disease is not easy for Here are a few ideas on how available online to help children
anyone. It is important to help children deal with learn about the disease and see
to remember the disease Alzheimer’s disease: how other kids are dealing with it.
affects the whole family,
including children. It ► Questions and Answers You can find video resources on the
can be frightening and As soon as a loved one is Alzheimer’s Association website by
confusing for a child to diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, visiting www.alz.org and clicking
experience changes in include children in the on the Life with ALZ tab. You will
their loved ones. They conversation. Offer simple find the video recourses under the
may think, “Why doesn’t explanations about the effects of Kids & Teens section.
Grandma remember me?” the disease. Reiterate to the child
Or “Doesn’t Grandpa love that Alzheimer’s is not contagious. ► Seek Support
me anymore?” Reassure the child that he or she is Children, like adults, need to know
not the cause of Grandpa’s disease they aren’t alone. Check with
or behavior. Allow the child to the local SYNERGY HomeCare
express his or her feelings, and office to find out if there are any
most of all, listen. Children are support groups in the community
great at helping adults understand for children with loved ones who
what they need to know. have Alzheimer’s.
► Connect Coming to terms with a loved
Encourage children to take part one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis is
in familiar activities with their tough. Explaining it to a child
loved one. Keep them engaged can be challenging. Opening the
and connected through enjoyable lines of communication can be a
activities like listening to music, great step in the right direction for
looking through photo albums everyone, no matter their age.
or coloring. Children can also be
included in caregiving tasks to Visit synergyhomecare.com,
help them feel involved, such as click on Media Room and under
making a simple snack or getting a Audio/Video 2016 there will be
glass of water. recommended reading list on
Alzheimer’s disease from your
► Education friends at SYNERGY HomeCare.
To boost a child’s understanding of
Alzheimer’s, read age-appropriate
books on the disease or take
advantage of other educational
resources. Children’s books about
Alzheimer’s can be found in local
libraries, bookstores or online.
Here are some suggested titles:
Preschool - Grade 3
What’s Happening to Grandpa?
Maria Shriver
Grandma’s Cobwebs
Ann Frantti
